Application of hierarchical fuzzy methodology for smart structures vibration control

Modern high performance design specifications have given rise to the widespread use of lightweight structures. These structures are prone to undesirable resonant vibrations that can reduce structural life and contribute to mechanical failure. Considerable research has been undertaken with the aim of damping these vibrations using a piezoelectric transducer. A new active damping for a smart panel was investigated. A methodology for designing the hierarchical fuzzy controllers was studied with the system performance being measured and expressed by some fuzzy variables. A hierarchical fuzzy logic structure is derived for a multi-input FLC, leading to the implementation of faster controllers with reduced memory demand. Consequently, it appears that the hierarchical fuzzy control method is quite useful regarding the reliability and robustness.