A model of magnetostrictive actuators for active vibration control

One of the most frequent applications of magnetostrictive actuator technology is the active structural vibration control (AVC). Magnetostrictive actuators (MAs) can deliver high-output forces and can be driven at high frequencies. These characteristics make them suitable for a variety of vibration control applications. The use of this technology, however, requires an accurate knowledge of the dynamics of such actuators. Several models are available in the literature. However, their use in control applications, characterized by high dynamics, is often limited by nonlinearities and complexity of the model. To overcome this difficulty, the paper introduces a linear model of magnetostrictive actuators that is valid in a range of frequencies below 2 kHz. The assumptions supporting the linearity of the system are discussed and the theoretical model is presented. Finally the model is validated through experimental tests carried out on two different magnetostrictive actuators.