Research project: Self-tuning control algorithm for decentralised active damping control units

This work is focused on decentralised velocity feedback control for the reduction of the response and sound radiation of a panel. Previous studies have shown that direct feedback control with a force actuator and a collocated velocity sensor produces a damping action on structures. Thus, when multiple velocity feedback control units are embedded on a panel, the active damping action tends to bring down the response and sound radiation of the structure at low frequency resonances, where the structural response is controlled by damping. However, if too high control gains are implemented so that the response of the panel at the control point is fully controlled, the feedback control units tend to pin the panel at the control positions and thus no damping action is generated. This study discusses the possibility of self-tuning the feedback control gains in such a way to maximise the active damping action produced by the control units. The tuning principle is first examined for a single control unit. The tuning of multiple control units is then considered. Finally the implementation of a practical tuning algorithm is discussed.