FEM dynamic model for active vibration control of flexible linkages and its application to a planar parallel manipulator

Development of dynamic models of flexible linkages, with flexible motion caused by rigid body motion and electromechanical coupling of transduction devices and the host linkage, is very important for the design of active vibration control laws for flexible-link mechanisms. In the first part of this paper, the Lagrange finite element (FE) formulation is used to derive such a dynamic model for a flexible planar linkage with two translational and one rotational degrees of freedom. Linear electromechanical coupling of surface-bonded lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patches with the host linkage is incorporated into the model. In the second part of this paper, this dynamic model is applied to a flexible-link planar parallel manipulator. Based on standard kineto-elastodynamic assumptions, the linkage dynamic model is simplified and simulation of strain rate feedback control using PZT sensors and actuators is performed. Numerical results show that PZT actuators effectively damp vibration of the flexible linkages.