Simulation and experimental tests on active mass damper control system based on Model Reference Adaptive Control algorithm

In the process of sudden natural disasters (such as earthquake or typhoon), the active mass damper (AMD) system can reduce the structural vibration response optimally, which serves as a frequently applied but less mature vibration-reducing technology in wind and earthquake resistance of high-rise buildings. As the core of this technology, the selection of control algorithm is extremely challenging due to the uncertainty of structural parameters and the randomness of external loads. It is not necessary for the Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) based on the Minimal Controller Synthesis (MCS) algorithm to know in advance the structural parameters, which produces special advantages in conditions of real-time change of system parameters, uncertain external disturbance, and the nonlinear dynamic system. This paper studies the application of the MRAC into the AMD active control system. The principle of MRAC algorithm is recommended and the dynamic model and the motion differential equation of AMD system based on MRAC is established under seismic excitation. The simulation analysis for linear and nonlinear structures when the structural stiffness is degenerated is performed under AMD system controlled by MRAC algorithm. To verify the validity of the MRAC over the AMD system, experimental tests are carried out on a linear structure and a structure with variable stiffness with the AMD system under seismic excitation on the shake table, and the experimental results are compared with those of the traditional pole assignment control algorithm.