Modal control based on direct modal parameters estimation

Modal active control is based on a state model that requires the identification of modal parameters. This identification can typically be done through a rational fraction polynomial algorithm applied in the frequency domain. This method generates numerical problems when estimating high-order models, particularly when moving from the basis of orthogonal polynomials for the modal basis. This algorithm must therefore be applied independently on multiple frequency ranges with a low order for each range. In this case, the controller design cannot be automated and requires a lot of human intervention, especially to build the state space model. To address this issue, this paper presents the application of the direct modal parameters estimation (DMPE) algorithm for active modal control design. The identification algorithm is presented in a simplified version with only positive frequencies. Unlike other classical identification methods in the frequency domain, the DMPE algorithm provides a solution with a great numerical stability and allows estimating models with a higher order. Using this method, the design of the controller can be largely automated and requires a minimum of human intervention. After a theoretical presentation, the proposed method is experimentally validated by controlling the vibration modes of a suspended plate.