Interaction between two active structural paths for source mass motion control over mid-frequency range

The interaction between two active structural paths is analytically and experimentally studied as part of a resonating source-path-receiver system, where each path consists of a piezoelectric stack actuator in series with an elastomeric (passive) mount. An analytical model of the system is first developed, and then an experiment is constructed to verify the feasibility. Good agreement is found between the model and experiment. A performance index to characterize the active path interaction for source mass motion control up to 1000 Hz is analytically defined; it considers the passive phase interaction (caused by system dynamics) between the active mounts and the resulting system motion. Two passive system parameters (rubber path structural damping and disturbance moment arm) emerge as key design variables that drastically change the performance index, and guidelines are developed for desirable path interactions. Limited experimental validation demonstrates that active source mass motion control is achieved at 400 Hz using piezoelectric stack actuators.