Fifth International Congress on Sound and Vibration December 15-18, 1997 Adelaide, South Australia Genetic Algorithms for Active Vibration Control

This paper presents an investigation into the development of an active vibration control (AVC) system using genetic algorithms (GAs). During the last two decades, a substantial amount of research work has been carried out using GAs in various disciplines. Although GAs have gained popularity as parallel, global search techniques, their use in the area of active control is limited. This investigation attempts to develop evolutionary techniques utilising GAs for AVC applications. A flexible beam system in transverse vibration is considered in this investigation. The unwanted vibrations in the structure are assumed to be due to a single point disturbance of broadband nature. A multi-source adaptive AVC strategy is adopted for optimum cancellation of broadband vibration along the beam. This incorporates an on-line controller design and implementation strategy. Genetic algorithms are used for estimation of the adaptive controller characteristics. The AVC algorithm thus developed is implemented and simulation results verifying its performance in the suppression of broadband vibration along the beam presented and discussed.