Modeling and control of power flow in a double-beam system

The vibrational power flow in a double-beam system is investigated theoretically and experimentally in this paper. A novel large displacement piezoelectric actuator assembly, comprising two curved THUNDER actuators, is used to connect the two beams and provide both passive and active isolation at the same time. A simulation model is proposed to describe the coupled mechanical and electrical properties of the new actuator assembly. Modal expansion approach is used to study the power transmissions between the two beams which are mechanically and electrically coupled via the actuator mounts. The effectiveness of both active and passive isolation has been investigated. The optimal control voltage for each actuator is obtained by minimizing the time-averaged power transmitted into the receiver beam. Results show a significant reduction in vibration power transmission. A correlation between the control effort and the mode shapes to be controlled is shown to exist.