Modal actuators and sensors for vibration control of lightweight structures

Modal sensors and actuators built from a grid of thin piezoelectric ceramic plates are under consideration. The sensor signals are collected for analysis of the generalized coordinates. Subsequently, an algorithm is executed that allows for the determination of the modal sensors, the optimal positions of the actuators, and, finally, the active damping of structural vibrations. This approach can be considered as the integration of structural dynamics into the design process.