A finite element based model predictive controller (FEMPC) is implemented for attenuating vibrations of a two flexible link planar manipulator. This manipulator consists of two revolute joints driven by DC motors. Due to the flexibility of the links, both links are susceptible to vibrations, hence, reducing the accuracy in tracking of the end effector. As such piezoelectric plates are use as actuators to apply corrective action to suppress vibrations. The FEMPC control structure, determining these actions, is based on the structure used in dynamic matrix control (DMC), with the exception that a finite element (FE) model replaces how the predictions are formulated. This FE model is developed from and utilized to described the dynamics of each individual link. The FE predictor uses the measured strain and control actions sent to the setup to simulate the response of each link. Results show that using model predictive control has advantages in vibration control over simple conventional control, in particular proportional control. Furthermore, improvements on the model used in predicting the vibrational response will further improve on the attenuation of vibrations.

A study of the latest research results in the theory of robot control, structured so as to echo the gradual development of robot control over the last fifteen years. In three major parts, the editors deal with the modelling and control of rigid and flexible robot manipulators and mobile robots. Most of the results on rigid robot manipulators in part I are now well established, while for flexible manipulators in part II, some problems still remain unresolved. Part III deals with the control of mobile robots, a challenging area for future research. The whole is rounded off with an appendix reviewing basic definitions and the mathematical background for control theory. The particular combination of topics makes this an invaluable source of information for both graduate students and researchers.

The use of lightweight, thin flexible structures creates a dilemma in the aerospace and robotic industries. While increased operating efficiency and mobility can be achieved by employing such structures, these benefits are compromised by significant structural vibrations due to the increased flexibility. To address this problem, extensive research in the area of vibration control of flexible structures has been performed over the last two decades. The majority of the research has been based on the use of discrete piezoceramic actuators (PZTs) as active dampers, as they are commercial availability and have high force and bandwidth capabilities. Many different active vibration control strategies have previously been proposed, in order to effectively suppress vibrations. The synthesized vibration controllers will be less effective or even make the system to become unstable if the actuator locations and control gains are not chosen properly. However, there is currently no quantitative procedure that deals with these procedures simultaneously. This thesis presents a theoretical and numerical study of vibration control of a singlelink flexible manipulator attached to a rotating hub, with PZTs bonded to the surface of the link. A commercially available fibre optic sensor called ShapeTapeTM is introduced as a new feedback sensing technique, which is complemented by a quantitative and definitive model based procedure for selecting the individual PZT locations and gains. Based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, discrete finite element equations are obtained using Lagrange's equations for a PZT-mounted beam element. Slewing of the flexible link by a rotating hub induces vibrations in the link that persist long after the hub stops rotating. These vibrations are suppressed through a combined scheme of PD-based hub motion control and proposed PZT actuator control, which is a composite linear (L-type) and angular (A-type) velocity feedback controller. A Lyapunov approach was used to.

PhD.

This book presents theoretical explorations of several fundamental problems in the dynamics and control of flexible beam systems. By integrating fresh concepts and results to form a systematic approach to control, it establishes a basic theoretical framework. It includes typical control design examples verified using MATLAB simulation, which in turn illustrate the successful practical applications of active vibration control theory for flexible beam systems. The book is primarily intended for researchers and engineers in the control system and mechanical engineering community, offering them a unique resource.

The use of lightweight, thin flexible structures creates a dilemma in the aerospace androbotic industries. While increased operating efficiency and mobility can be achieved byemploying such structures, these benefits are compromised by significant structuralvibrations due to the increased flexibility. To address this problem, extensive research inthe area of vibration control of flexible structures has been performed over the last twodecades. The majority of the research has been based on the use of discrete piezoceramicactuators (PZTs) as active dampers, as they are commercial availability and have highforce and bandwidth capabilities. Many different active vibration control strategies havepreviously been proposed, in order to effectively suppress vibrations. The synthesizedvibration controllers will be less effective or even make the system to become unstable ifthe actuator locations and control gains are not chosen properly. However, there iscurrently no quantitative procedure that deals with these procedures simultaneously. This thesis presents a theoretical and numerical study of vibration control of a singlelinkflexible manipulator attached to a rotating hub, with PZTs bonded to the surface ofthe link. A commercially available fibre optic sensor called ShapeTapeTM is introduced asa new feedback sensing technique, which is complemented by a quantitative anddefinitive model based procedure for selecting the individual PZT locations and gains. Based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, discrete finite element equations are obtainedusing Lagrange's equations for a PZT-mounted beam element. Slewing of the flexiblelink by a rotating hub induces vibrations in the link that persist long after the hub stopsrotating. These vibrations are suppressed through a combined scheme of PD-based hubmotion control and proposed PZT actuator control, which is a composite linear (L-type)and angular (A-type) velocity feedback controller. A Lyapunov approach was used tosynthesize the PZT controller. The feedback sensing of linear and angular velocities isrealized by using the ShapeTapeTM, which measures the bend and twist of the flexiblelink's centerline. Both simulation and experimental results show that tip vibrations aremost effectively suppressed using the proposed composite controller. Its performanceadvantage over the individual linear or angular velocity feedback controllers confirmstheoretical predictions made based on a non-proportional damping model of the PZTeffects. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the non-proportional nature of the PZTdamping effect must be considered in order to bound the range of allowable controllergain values.