Inertial vibration control using a shunted electromagnetic transducer

Inertial drives and passive tuned-mass dampers utilize a suspended mass to reduce the vibration experienced by a host structure. Active vibration control systems typically include a voice coil type electromagnetic actuator to develop the required reaction forces. In this paper, the technique of sensorless active shunt control is applied to inertial vibration absorption. An electrical impedance is designed and connected to an electromagnetic coil with a view to minimizing structural vibration. Standard optimal control tools can be applied to design the required shunt impedance. This technique requires no additional feedback sensors. Vibration in an experimental structure is heavily attenuated by the application of an active shunt impedance.