Evolutionary Computation-Based Active Mass Damper Implementation for Vibration Mitigation in Slender Structures Using a Low-Cost Processor

Abstract

This work is devoted to design, implement and validate an active mass damper (AMD) for vibration mitigation in slender structures. The control law, defined by means of genetic algorithm optimization, is deployed on a low-cost processor (NI myRIO-1900), and experimentally validated on a 13.5-m lively timber footbridge. As is known, problems arising from human-induced vibrations in slender, lightweight and low-damped structures usually require the installation of mechanical devices, such as an AMD, in order to be mitigated. This kind of device tends to reduce the movement of the structure, which can be potentially large when it is subjected to dynamic loads whose main components match its natural frequencies. In those conditions, the AMD is sought to improve the comfort and fulfil the serviceability conditions for the pedestrian use according to some design guides. After the dynamic identification of the actuator, the procedure consisted of the experimental characterization and identification of the modal properties of the structure (natural frequencies and damping ratios). Once the equivalent state space system of the structure is obtained, the design of the control law is developed, based on state feedback, which was deployed in the low-cost controller. Finally, experimental adjustments (filters, gains, etc.) were implemented and the validation test was carried out. The system performance has been evaluated using different metrics, both in the frequency and time domain, and under different loads scenarios, including pedestrian transits to demonstrate the feasibility, robustness and good performance of the proposed system. The strengths of the presented work reside in: (1) the use of genetic evolutionary algorithms to optimize both the state estimator gain and the feedback gain that commands the actuator, whose performance is further tested and analyzed using different fitness functions related to both time and frequency domains and (2) the implementation of the active control system in a low-cost processor, which represents a significant advantage when it comes to implement this system in a real structure.

Design and Implementation of a MIMO Integral Resonant Control for Active Vibration Control of Pedestrian Structures

“…AVC, employing inertial mass actuators, has shown promise in significantly reducing vibrations, thereby allowing lightweight pedestrian structures to meet vibration serviceability limits. Typically, single-input single-output (SISO) AVC systems are utilized, employing a single accelerometer for measuring structure response and a single actuator for control [8,9]. However, for specific applications, multi-input multiple-output (MIMO) AVC schemes have been proposed, utilizing Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s).…”

Active Vibration Control Using Loudspeaker-Based Inertial Actuator with Integrated Piezoelectric Sensor

“…Consequently, it becomes imperative to implement efficient vibration control methods to ensure both structural integrity and overall vehicle safety. Among the various vibration control strategies, passive control usually uses dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs), which are extensively employed for controlling structural vibrations [1][2][3][4][5]. However, one drawback of DVAs is their limited effectiveness in attenuating vibrations at multiple resonance frequencies.…”