Passive Control of a Flexible Planar Truss Using a Reaction Mass Actuator

Item

Title
Passive Control of a Flexible Planar Truss Using a Reaction Mass Actuator
Description
Damping is an important aspect in controlling large flexible structures in space. This paper deals with the passive control of a flexible twenty-bay truss using a reaction mass actuator. The actuator was electronically tuned to the second mode of the truss and attached to the tip of the truss. The truss was then subjected to random vibrations. The results were impressive, with an 86 percent reduction in the peak amplitude of vibration of, the second mode of the truss when compared to the structure's uncontrolled response. In addition, the peak amplitudes of vibrations of the higher modes of the truss were reduced with the actuator passively tuned to the second mode; there was a small change in the peak amplitude of vibration of the first mode. Further, the settling time for the structure with the passively tuned actuator was less when compared to that of the truss without the actuator attached. With no passive damping it took 19.5 seconds for the second mode of the truss to settle, while the addition of the passive actuator reduced the settling time to four seconds. The passively tuned reaction mass actuator is, therefore, an effective mechanism to reduce the vibrations of a flexible truss.
Creator
Lee, David R.
Webb, Steven G.
Publisher
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH : Wright Laboratory, Flight Dynamics Directorate, Air Force Systems Command
Date
1991
Format
1 online resource (16 pages) : ill.
Type
article
Abstract
Damping is an important aspect in controlling large flexible structures in space. This paper deals with the passive control of a flexible twenty-bay truss using a reaction mass actuator. The actuator was electronically tuned to the second mode of the truss and attached to the tip of the truss. The truss was then subjected to random vibrations. The results were impressive, with an 86 percent reduction in the peak amplitude of vibration of, the second mode of the truss when compared to the structure's uncontrolled response. In addition, the peak amplitudes of vibrations of the higher modes of the truss were reduced with the actuator passively tuned to the second mode; there was a small change in the peak amplitude of vibration of the first mode. Further, the settling time for the structure with the passively tuned actuator was less when compared to that of the truss without the actuator attached. With no passive damping it took 19.5 seconds for the second mode of the truss to settle, while the addition of the passive actuator reduced the settling time to four seconds. The passively tuned reaction mass actuator is, therefore, an effective mechanism to reduce the vibrations of a flexible truss.
Date Issued
1991-08
Extent
16
Corporate Author
USAF Academy
Laboratory
Wright Laboratory
Report Number
WL-TR-91-3078 Volume II, pages GBC-1 to GBC-16
DoD Project
2401
DoD Task
240104
Distribution Conflict
No
Index Abstract
Contrails only
Photo Quality
Complete
Distribution Classification
1
Report Availability
Full text available
Provenance
University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Kraemer Family Library
Identifier
ADA241312

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Items with "Has Part: Passive Control of a Flexible Planar Truss Using a Reaction Mass Actuator"
Title Class
Proceedings of Damping '91: 13-15 February 1991 San Diego, California (EAA-1 through GBC-16)