An Application of the IMSC on a Non-linearFlexible Structure: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation

The independent modal control to suppress the vibration of nonlinear flexible structures is applied in this paper. Technological improvements in the mechanical field showed during the recent years have led to high-performance systems with low weight and, as a consequence, high flexibility and low damping. Here active control quickly bettered the traditional passive damping systems. The structure investigated in this paper is a multi-body flexible boom moved by hydraulic actuators. The nonlinear system dynamic was numerically modeled and a control strategy, based on the use of the same actuators, was developed. Finally a test rig was created to experimentally validate the proposed approach.