Optimal control of structural vibrations using a mixed-mode magnetorheological fluid mount

In this work, a mixed-mode magnetorheological (MR) mount is proposed and applied to the vibration control of a flexible beam structure subjected to external disturbances. On the basis of non-dimensional Bingham number, an appropriate size of the MR mount is designed and manufactured. After experimentally evaluating the field-dependent damping force of the MR mount, a structural system consisting of a flexible beam and vibrating rigid mass is established. The governing equation of motion of the system is derived and expressed as a state space control model. A linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller is then designed in order to attenuate the vibration of the structural system. The controller is empirically realized and control responses such as acceleration and displacement of the structural system are evaluated and presented in frequency domain.