Optimal actuator and sensor placement based on balanced reduced models

In this paper, we have considered the problem of optimal actuator and sensor placement for active large flexible structures and proposed a placement optimization method, which is based on balanced reduced models. It overcomes disadvantages arising from demanding numeric procedures related with high order structural models. Optimization procedure relies on H2 and H∞ norms, as well as on controllability and observability Gramians, which are related to structural eigenmodes of interest. Suggested methods for calculating approximate norms are advantageous due to their feasibility with large structures, where exact calculation of norms would cause numeric problems. A rule for determining optimal actuator/sensor placement in relation with actuation load modeling has been derived and proven by examples. The optimization procedure was documented by several examples showing a good agreement between the results obtained using different placement indices.

► We consider optimal actuator/sensor placement for active large flexible structures.
► Balanced reduced models and H2 and H∞ norms are used in the optimization.
► A rule for optimal placement in relation with actuation load was derived and proven.
► Optimization was conducted through several examples of beam and plate structures.
► A good agreement between H2 and H∞ based, and controllability indices was shown.