This book aims at investigating PDE modeling and vibration control of some typical mechanical distributed parameter systems. Several control methods are proposed to realize stabilization of the closed-loop system with the help of mathematical tools and stability analysis methods. Besides, some common engineering problems, such as input and output constraints, are also involved in the control design. This book offers a comprehensive introduction of mechanical distributed parameter systems, including PDE modeling, controller design and stability analysis. The related fundamental mathematical tools and analytical approaches involving in the PDE modeling and controller are also provided, which broadens its reach to readers.

Vibration and noise reduce the perceived quality, productivity, and efficiency of many and limit production speeds electromechanical systems. Vibration can cause defects during manufacturing and produce premature failure of finished products due to fa tigue. Potential contact with a vibrating system or hearing darnage from a noisy machine can produce a dangerous, unhealthy, and uncomfortable operating environ ment. Recent advances in computer technology have allowed the development of so phisticated electromechanical systems for the control of vibration and noise. The demanding specifications of many modern systems require higher performance than possible with the traditional, purely mechanical approaches of increasing system stiff ness or damping. Mechatronic systems that integrate computer software and hard ware with electromechanical sensors and actuators to control complex mechanical systems have been demonstrated to provide outstanding vibration and noise reduc tion. The current trends toward higher speed computation and lower cost, higher performance sensors and actuators indicate the continuing possibilities for this con trol approach in future applications.

This book provides a comprehensive review of fundamental issues in the dynamical modeling and vibration control design for several flexible mechanical systems, such as flexible satellites, flexible aerial refueling hoses, and flexible three-dimensional manipulators. Offering an authoritative reference guide to the dynamics and control of flexible mechanical systems, it equips readers to solve a host of problems concerning these systems. It provides not only a complete overview of flexible systems, but also a better understanding of the technical levels involved. The book is divided into ten chapters: Chapters 1 and 2 lay the foundations, while the remaining chapters explore several independent yet related topics in detail. The book’s final chapter presents conclusions and recommendations for future research. Given its scope, the book is intended for researchers, graduate students, and engineers whose work involves control systems, flexible mechanical systems, and related areas.

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on vibration control technology using "smart" or "intelligent" materials, which have inherently actuating and sensing capabilities. Typically these materials are employed to the vibration control of lumped parameter systems or distributed parameter structures by controlling the mass-distribution, stiffness change and the dissipation change. This may be accomplished by semi-active control or active control methods associated with the smart material actuators. Among many candidates of smart materials, magneto-rheological materials and piezoelectric materials are frequently adopted for vibration control. Magneto-rheological fluid and elastomer are especially utilized for vibration control of lumped parameter systems such as automotive damper, while the piezoelectric materials are used for vibration control of flexible distributed parameter structures with salient characteristics, such as fast response time. This book can be used as a textbook for graduate students or as a reference book for potential researchers who are interested in vibration control utilizing new methods associated with smart materials actuators. This book will provide some novel insights for advanced vibration control technology to many readers.

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.