Distributed active shock absorbers for flexible structures

A multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) distributed active shock absorber (DASA) for shock vibration suppression in flexible structures is investigated in this paper. The DASA is a simple first-order controller that is designed based on the modal positive position feedback strategy to suppress transient vibrations of flexible structures at various harmonics. The DASA can be constructed by using piezoceramic sensors and actuators that are controlled by micro-controller. The effectiveness of the DASA design is validated through multiple-mode control on a flexible cantilever beam system with a single sensor/actuator pair. The experimental results reveal that the proposed strategy is a potentially viable means for real-time control of vibration in large flexible structures.