Recent advances in structural dynamics and controls

This seminar will highlight some recent research activities being pursued at the Penn State Structural Dynamics and Controls Laboratory (SDCL). The research missions of the SDCL are to develop better understanding of the dynamic characteristics of mechanical structures, and to create novel analysis, design, and control methodologies for achieving better system performance (e.g., low vibration, high stability, high precision, etc.). Some of the on-going projects include active, semi-active, and hybrid active-passive vibration control and isolation; smart materials for structural control and damping; vibration delocalization of mistuned-periodic structures; high precision shape control of optical structural surfaces; dynamic and stability of gyroscopic structures; neural network modeling of nonlinear systems; helicopter rotor, driveline and airframe dynamics; modeling and control of automotive powertrain dynamics; and automotive drivetrain noise and vibration. In addition, through leading teams with other researchers in nano science, biology, materials, and information science, SDCL has also initiated interdisciplinary programs integrating emerging technologies, such as intelligent negotiation agents for the robust design of large-scale piezoelectric networks; high performance damping with carbon nanotube-based polymeric composites; and bio-inspired high authority adaptive structures. In this seminar, a brief overview of the SDCL will first be given and then followed by more detailed discussions on a few selected topics.