An active spectral element model for PID feedback control of wave propagation in composite beams

Abstract

A generalized active spectral element model (ASEM) capable of handling arbitrary distributed sensor actuator configurations with PID feedback scheme is presented. High frequency excitation by external disturbance causing broadband wave propagation is considered. The model derived here is applicable to composite beam structural actuation using active fiber composites. The formulation takes into account both sensor and actuator dynamics and near-field effect on the sensor. Since the method is based on finite element principle, it can handle coupling between axial and flexural modes in a straightforward manner. The proposed ASEM is computationally faster, efficient and has much smaller system size compared to the conventional finite element model. Hence, the technique is ideally suited for design of multiple sensor–actuator configurations for distributed and active control of broadbandwaves in multiplyconnected composite beams. Numerical experiments on a slender laminated composite cantilever beam with bonded piezoelectric fiber composite (PFC) are performed. Various aspects of low authority control against parametric variations are explained.