Structure-Control Combined Design with Structure Intensity

This paper proposes an optimum design method of structural and control systems, using a 2-D truss structure as an example. The structure is subjected to initial static loads and disturbances. For the structure, a FEM model is formed. Using modal transformation, the equation of motion is transformed into modal coordinates, in order to decrease D.O.F. of the FEM model. To suppress the effect of the disturbances, the structure is controlled by an output feedback $H_{\infty}$ controller. The design variables of the combined optimal design of the control-structure systems are the cross sectional areas of truss members. The structural objective function is the structural weight. The control objective function is the $H_{\infty}$ norm, the performance index of control. The second structural objective function is the energy of the response related to the initial state, which is derived from the time integration of the quadratic form of the state in the closed-loop system. In a numerical example, simulations have been perform. Through the consideration of structural weight and $H_{\infty}$ norm, an advantage of the combined optimum design of structural and control systems is shown. Moreover, since the performance index of control is almost nearly optimiz, we can acquire better design of structural strength.