Target reduction and balancing using system norms

The problem of design targets reduction and balancing among subsystems is addressed. A new approach is proposed that aims at reducing the number of targets used to quantify the performance of an engineering system, consisting of several subsystems, using the properties of system norms. The proposed approach also provides a systematic means of balancing the cascaded targets among the constituent subsystems in order to deliver the desired system performance. The approach is illustrated on a simple example featuring coupled beams.