Control of Flexible Structures

Covers topics ranging from theoretical research on the well-posedness of systems, to experimental implementations of various controllers. This work discusses a number of controller design techniques. It is suitable for control theorists, engineers and mathematicians interested in this important field of research.

Flexible structures arise in significant important areas of application, such as robotics, large space structures, and antenna control. Difficulties related to sensing and identification hamper control of such systems. These problems require collaboration between mathematicians and engineers. To promote such collaboration, the Fields Institute sponsored a three-day workshop entitled ''Problems in Sensing, Identification, and Control of Flexible Structures'' in June 1992. This volume contains papers presented at the workshop. Topics range from theoretical research on the well-posedness of systems, to experimental implementations of various controllers. A number of controller design techniques are discussed and compared, and there are several papers on modelling the complex dynamics of flexible structures. This book is a useful resource to control theorists, engineers, and mathematicians interested in this important field of research.