Switching linear quadratic Gaussian control of a flexible blade structure containing magnetorheological fluid

The present study suggests a new active control structure with a switching algorithm for control current of the electromagnetic actuator to suppress vibrations of a flexible blade element containing magnetorheological (MR) fluid. An identification model between MR fluid inside the blade and the electromagnetic actuator is utilized to derive the force equation. Since only one electromagnet is employed to suppress the blade vibration, a single-sided control actuation occurs in the proposed system. Therefore, the pulling force used for vibration control is generated by the actuator when the blade moves to downward direction. A switching linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller that produces always a positive control input is designed to attenuate the blade vibrations. The LQG controller with switching is experimentally implemented under the impact and steady-state aerodynamic disturbances. The results of experiments show that the proposed switching controller is effective to attenuate vibrations of the flexible blade element.