Finite Element Analysis and Active Vibration Control of a Cantilevered Beam

The objective of this research project is to apply classical linear control system techniques to the problem of controlling the vibration of a beam whose dynamics are represented in terms of a finite element model. The project consists of two parts. First, we develop a simplified model of a mechanical structure using a numerical method called the finite element method. A systematic procedure for finit element analysis is presented. We then derive a transfer function from this simplified model using this method. Next, using classical linear control techniques, a feedback control system is designed to eliminate vibrations in the structure caused by a disturbance input. The mechanical structure to be analyzed is a cantilevered beam. The modeling is done using MATLAB and an Engineering Vibrations Toolbox. The control system is designed and simulated using MATLAB and SIMULINK. The combination of control system theory and software simulation is an important step towards active, real-time vibration control of mechanical structures