Vibration control of smart hull structure with optimally placed piezoelectric composite actuators

Active vibration control to suppress structural vibration of the smart hull structure was investigated based on optimized actuator configurations. Advanced anisotropic piezoelectric composite actuator, Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC), was used for the vibration control. Governing equations of motion of the smart hull structure including MFC actuators were obtained using the Donnell–Mushtari shell theory and Lagrange's equation. The Rayleigh–Ritz method was used to obtain the dynamic characteristics of the smart hull structure. Experimental modal tests were conducted to verify the proposed mathematical model. In order to achieve high control performance, optimal locations and directions of the MFC actuators were determined by genetic algorithm. Optimal control algorithm was then synthesized to suppress structural vibration of the proposed smart hull structure and experimentally implemented to the system. Active vibration control performances were evaluated under various modes excitations. Vibration tests revealed that optimal configurations of MFC actuators improved the control performance of the smart hull structure in case of the limited number of actuators available.

► We model smart hull structure featuring macro-fiber composite actuators and sensors.
► We examine modal characteristics of the smart hull structure.
► An optimal location of the actuators are undertaken by adopting neural network.
► Active vibration control is experimentally undertaken using optimal controller.
► It is demonstrated that active control performance is very effective by activating the optimally placed actuators.