Active vibration control of flexible structures using the Modular Control Patch (MCP)

Abstract

Active vibration control has been increasingly used as a solution for spacecraft structures to achieve the degree of vibration suppression required for precision pointing accuracy that is not easily achieved with passive damping. This thesis examines the effectiveness and suitability of the Modular Control Patch (MCP) to achieve active vibration control on flexible structures. The MCP was developed by TRW for the United States Air Force and uses a digital signal processor to implement control algorithms. The objective of the MCP program was to design a miniaturized multi-channel digital controller suitable for space-based vibration control. Three different control laws: Positive Position Feedback (PPF), Strain Rate Feedback (SRF), and Integral control were realized using the MCP. These control laws were used independently and in combination in order to discover the most effective damping for the first two modal frequencies on a cantilevered aluminum beam. Two PPF filters in parallel provided the most effective multi-mode damping. Further experiments tested the robustness of the PPF control law implemented by the MCP. Increasing the compensator damping greatly improved PPF robustness and expanded its capability as an effective controller