Experimental facility for research on vibration control and fluid-structure interactions

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New mechanical systems are characterized by high speed, lightweight, and computerization. Such systems include space robots, space structures, spacecrafts, automobiles, and high speed commuter trains, etc. Reliable and robust vibration control plays a critical role in the design and operation of such systems. Traditionally, unwanted vibrations have been suppressed by passive methods through energy dissipation or energy absorption. Due to the significant progress in computer and electronics engineering, new sensors, actuators, and microprocessors make it possible to use semi-active or active vibration control. Fluid-structure phenomena are of major importance for aerospace, mechanical or biomedical applications. The applicant intends to continue his research on vibration control of complex mechanical systems and to initiate new collaborative research on fluid-structure interaction. The proposed research on vibration control will focus on two areas: (1) active control of time-varying/nonlinear systems; (2) semi-active control devices and methods. Examples of time-varying systems include traveling media with variable length such as elevator and hoist cables, flexible robotic arms. The applicant plans to develop new control methods that are more effective and robust. A semi-active vibration absorber device and an active vibration absorber were developed by the applicant and his student. In this study, the applicant will make the devices more practical through improvement of design and perfection of control methods. The proposed initiative in fluid-structure interaction is motivated by the need to investigate the causes of in-stent stenosis problems. The phenomenon will be treated as an interaction between a pulsatile flow and an elastic artery embedded with a relatively rigid stent. The applicant will approach the problem numerically and experimentally. The proposed research on vibration control will advance the knowledge of design and control of machinery in general. The study results are expected to impact on the Canadian industry such as aerospace and manufacture. The proposed research on fluid-structure interaction will help design of better biomedical devices.