Genetic algorithms based adaptive active vibration control of a flexible structure

Abstract

This paper investigates the development of an active vibration control (AVC) mechanism for a flexible plate structure using a genetic modelling strategy where the utilisation of genetic algorithms (GAs) for dynamic modelling of the system is considered. The global search technique of GAs is used to obtain a dynamic model of a flexible plate structure based on one-step-ahead (OSA) prediction and verified within the AVC system. The GA based AVC algorithm thus developed is implemented within a flexible plate simulation environment and its performance in the reduction of deflection at the centre of the plate is assessed. The validation of the algorithm is presented in both the time and frequency domains. An assessment of the results thus obtained is given in comparison to the AVC system using conventional recursive least squares (RLS) method. Investigations reveal that the developed GA based AVC system performs better in the suppression of vibration of a flexible plate structure compared to an RLS based AVC system.