Ponslet, Eric | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1993

Optimal placement of tuning masses on truss structures by genetic algorithms

Optimal placement of tuning masses, actuators and other peripherals on large space structures is a combinatorial optimization problem. This paper surveys several techniques for solving this problem. The genetic algorithm approach to the solution of the placement problem is described in detail. An example of minimizing the difference between the two lowest frequencies of a laboratory truss by adding tuning masses is used for demonstrating some of the advantages of genetic algorithms. The relative efficiencies of different codings are compared using the results of a large number of optimization runs.

Ponslet, Eric↗

NASA NTRS1992

Improved procedures for eigenvalue approximation and sensitivities for active structures

The equations of motion of actively controlled structures are usually reduced to first order form, a procedure which obscures symmetries that are present in the second order form of these equations. The loss of symmetry requires the calculation of both left and right eigenvectors for obtaining derivatives of the stability eigenvalues of the system. The paper shows that, for some control laws, only right eigenvectors are required if derivatives are obtained from the second order form of the equations of motion. The paper also examines reduced basis approximations for the eigenvalues and their derivatives. It is shown that including Ritz vectors representing the effect of local actuation forces in the reduced basis improves the accuracy of the eigenvalues and eigenvalue derivatives. Two active truss examples are used for demonstrating the improved accuracy.

Ponslet, Eric↗