The Feasibility of Active and Passive Pulse Control for Flexible Structures

Abstract

Pulse control is based on the idea of triggering the control action in the form of pulses that durate whenever the structure response exceeds a certain limit. Previous studies on pulse control have ignored the pulse effect on the acceleration response of structures. The pulse action was considered to be implemented using jets or actuators at certain locations. A complete setup for the control mechanism was not considered. In this paper, an implementation for a pulse-control mechanism using slack tendons is offered. The feasibility of active and passive pulse control compared with continuous passive or active feedback control is studied with respect to deflection, acceleration, and control energy consumption. The study is carried out considering the control of a one-story flexible portal frame as an illustrative example.