Joint node H∞ control synthesis for connected flexible beams

Describes a method of stabilizing an interconnected system of Timoshenko beams by using a finite dimensional model of a Timoshenko beam along with an H_∞ control design. The control consists of two types of control: a robust control at the joint nodes (common nodes) of the beams, and local control for each beam after the H _∞ control has been applied at the joint nodes. Based on simulations, we observe that a fast decay rate for vibrations and smooth transients can be achieved. The example shown in the paper is the known “carpenter square” of two beams joined at a common node