Optimization of mechatronic design quotient using genetic algorithm in vibration controllers for flexible beams

Due to their extensive utilization in engineering designs, various vibration controllers have been investigated with design specifications in mind. The optimization of vibration controller designs is a complicated multi-criteria problem. In this paper, the mechatronic design quotient (MDQ) approach and genetic algorithm (GA) are coupled together to determine this optimal design solution. The MDQ is presented to formulate an evaluation function for the passive vibration controller design of flexible beam structures, and the GA is then used to maximize this function so as to achieve a design solution with the highest MDQ value. For comparison, both the MDQ performance of passive vibration controller design using linear dampers and active vibration controller design using a linear quadratic regulator are provided. The latter is used as the performance benchmark to evaluate the optimal design solution of the former. Experimental results show that the linear dampers design with the proposed method can achieve similar performance to an optimal active controller.