Flywheel proof mass actuator for active vibration control

This paper presents the experimental results of a new proof mass actuator for the implementation of velocity feedback control loops to reduce the flexural vibration of a thin plate structure. Classical proof mass actuators are formed by coil–magnet linear motors. These actuators can generate constant force at frequencies above the fundamental resonance frequency of the spring–magnet system, which can be used to efficiently implement point velocity feedback control loops. However, the dynamics of the spring–magnet system limit the stability and control performance of the loops when the actuators are exposed to shocks. The proof mass actuator investigated in this paper includes an additional flywheel element that improves the stability of the velocity feedback loop both by increasing the feedback gain margin and by reducing the fundamental resonance frequency of the actuator. This paper is focused on the stability and control performance of decentralized velocity feedback control loops.