Rectangular plate with velocity feedback loops using triangularly shaped piezoceramic actuators: experimental control performance

This paper presents experimental results on the implementation of decentralized velocity feedback control on a new smart panel in order to produce active damping. The panel is equipped with 16 triangularly shaped piezoceramic patch actuators along its border and accelerometer sensors located at the top vertex of the triangular actuators. The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the vibration and sound radiation control using the new smart panel. Narrow frequency band experimental results highlight that the 16 control units can produce reductions up to 15 dB at resonance frequencies between 100 and 700 Hz in terms of both structural vibration and sound power radiation.     

Comparison of decentralized velocity feedback control for thin homogeneous and stiff sandwich panels using electrodynamic proof-mass actuators

Theoretical and experimental work is presented to compare the effect of decentralised velocity feedback control on thin homogeneous and sandwich panels. The decentralised control system consists of five control units, which are composed of a proof-mass electrodynamic actuator with an accelerometer underneath its footprint and an analogue controller. The stability of the feedback loops is analysed by considering the sensor-actuator open-loop frequency response function of each control unit and the eigenvalues of the fully populated matrix of open-loop frequency response functions between the five sensors and five actuators. The control performance is then analysed in terms of the time-averaged total kinetic energy and total sound power radiated by the two panels. The results show that for a stiff sandwich panel higher stable feedback gains can be implemented than on a thin homogeneous panel of comparable weight per unit area. Moreover the implementation of decentralised velocity feedback can offset some of the undesirable sound transmission properties of lightweight sandwich structures by efficiently reducing structural vibration and sound power radiation in the mid audio frequency range.     

Active vibroacoustic control with multiple local feedback loops

When multiple actuators and sensors are used to control the vibration of a panel, or its sound radiation, they are usually positioned so that they couple into specific modes and are all connected together with a centralized control system. This paper investigates the physical effects of having a regular array of actuator and sensor pairs that are connected only by local feedback loops. An array of 4 x 4 force actuators and velocity sensors is first simulated, for which such a decentralized controller can be shown to be unconditionally stable. Significant reductions in both the kinetic energy of the panel and in its radiated sound power can be obtained for an optimal value of feedback gain, although higher values of feedback gain can induce extra resonances in the system and degrade the performance. A more practical transducer pair, consisting of a piezoelectric actuator and velocity sensor, is also investigated and the simulations suggest that a decentralized controller with this arrangement is also stable over a wide range of feedback gains. The resulting reductions in kinetic energy and sound power are not as great as with the force actuators, due to the extra resonances being more prominent and at lower frequencies, but are still worthwhile. This suggests that an array of independent modular systems, each of which included an actuator, a sensor, and a local feedback control loop, could be a simple and robust method of controlling broadband sound transmission when integrated into a panel.     

Decentralized harmonic active vibration control of a flexible plate using piezoelectric actuator-sensor pairs

We have investigated decentralized active control of periodic panel vibration using multiple pairs combining PZT actuators and PVDF sensors distributed on the panel. By contrast with centralized MIMO controllers used to actively control the vibrations or the sound radiation of extended structures, decentralized control using independent local control loops only requires identification of the diagonal terms in the plant matrix. However, it is difficult to a priori predict the global stability of such decentralized control. In this study, the general situation of noncollocated actuator-sensor pairs was considered. Frequency domain gradient and Newton-Raphson adaptation of decentralized control were analyzed, both in terms of performance and stability conditions. The stability conditions are especially derived in terms of the adaptation coefficient and a control effort weighting coefficient. Simulations and experimental results are presented in the case of a simply supported panel with four PZT-PVDF pairs distributed on it. Decentralized vibration control is shown to be highly dependent on the frequency, but can be as effective as a fully centralized control even when the plant matrix is not diagonal-dominant or is not strictly positive real (not dissipative).     

Enhancing low frequency sound transmission measurements using a synthesis method

The characterization of low frequency sound transmission between two rooms via a flexible panel is investigated experimentally in this work. Previously, the individual effects of the transmission suite on the measured sound reduction index have been studied analytically, and the results have been compared with the ideal case of having free field radiation conditions on both sides of the panel. A new approach is proposed using a near-field array of loudspeakers driven by a set of optimized signals such that a diffuse pressure field is reproduced on the surface of the partition to be tested. The practical effectiveness of this method is assessed when using a set of 16 acoustic sources located in the source reverberant room in close proximity to an aluminium panel. The experimental results obtained confirm the dependence of the characterized sound reduction index on the particular test chamber considered in the low frequency range. They also validate the proposed synthesis method for providing an estimate that only depends on the properties of the partition itself.     

Decentralized control of sound radiation using iterative loop recovery

A decentralized model-based control strategy is designed to reduce low-frequency sound radiation from periodically stiffened panels. While decentralized control systems tend to be scalable, performance can be limited due to modeling error introduced by the unmodeled interaction between neighboring control units. Since bounds on modeling error are not known in advance, it is difficult to ensure the decentralized control system will be robust without making the controller overly conservative. Therefore an iterative approach is suggested, which utilizes frequency-shaped loop recovery. The approach accounts for modeling error introduced by neighboring control loops, requires no communication between subsystems, and is relatively simple. The control strategy is evaluated numerically using a model of a stiffened aluminum panel that is representative of the sidewall of an aircraft. Simulations demonstrate that the iterative approach can achieve significant reductions in radiated sound power from the stiffened panel without destabilizing neighboring control units.     

Theoretical and experimental study on active sound transmission control based on single structural mode actuation using point force actuators

This study deals with the feedforward active control of sound transmission through a simply supported rectangular panel using vibration actuators. The control effect largely depends on the excitation method, including the number and locations of actuators. In order to obtain a large control effect at low frequencies over a wide frequency, an active transmission control method based on single structural mode actuation is proposed. Then, with the goal of examining the feasibility of the proposed method, the (1, 3) mode is selected as the target mode and a modal actuation method in combination with six point force actuators is considered. Assuming that a single input single output feedforward control is used, sound transmission in the case minimizing the transmitted sound power is calculated for some actuation methods. Simulation results showed that the (1, 3) modal actuation is globally effective at reducing the sound transmission by more than 10?dB in the low-frequency range for both normal and oblique incidences. Finally, experimental results also showed that a large reduction could be achieved in the low-frequency range, which proves the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.     

A comparison of decentralized, distributed, and centralized vibro-acoustic control

Direct velocity feedback control of structures is well known to increase structural damping and thus reduce vibration. In multi-channel systems the way in which the velocity signals are used to inform the actuators ranges from decentralized control, through distributed or clustered control to fully centralized control. The objective of distributed controllers is to exploit the anticipated performance advantage of the centralized control while maintaining the scalability, ease of implementation, and robustness of decentralized control. However, and in seeming contradiction, some investigations have concluded that decentralized control performs as well as distributed and centralized control, while other results have indicated that distributed control has significant performance advantages over decentralized control. The purpose of this work is to explain this seeming contradiction in results, to explore the effectiveness of decentralized, distributed, and centralized vibro-acoustic control, and to expand the concept of distributed control to include the distribution of the optimization process and the cost function employed.     

Base impedance of velocity feedback control units with proof-mass electrodynamic actuators

Control units comprising a proof-mass electrodynamic actuator and accelerometer-sensor pair with a time integrator and fixed gain controller are an effective way to implement velocity feedback control on thin flexible structures. These control units produce active damping provided the fundamental resonance frequency of the actuators is well below that of the structure under control. Control stability limits arise from the actuators fundamental resonances which introduce a 180° phase lag in the sensor-actuator frequency response functions, thus causing the feedback loops to be only conditionally stable. In contrast to previous studies, this paper discusses the response of a control unit with electrodynamic proof-mass actuator in terms of the open- and closed-loop base impedance that it exerts on the structure. This allows for a straight-forward physical interpretation of both stability and control performance. Experimental and simulation results show that the base impedance can be described as the sum of passive and active frequency response functions, where the active part of the control unit response depends on the actuator electromechanical response and also on the response function of the analogue controller circuit. The results show that the base impedance formulation can be effectively used to investigate new designs of both the actuator and electronic controller in order to optimise the stability and performance properties of the control unit.     

Directional properties of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) clicks, burst-pulse, and whistle sounds

The directional properties of bottlenose dolphin clicks, burst-pulse, and whistle signals were measured using a five element array, at horizontal angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180° relative to a dolphin stationed on an underwater biteplate. Clicks and burst-pulse signals were highly directional with directivity indices of ~11 dB for both signal types. Higher frequencies and higher amplitudes dominated the forward, on-axis sound field. A similar result was found with whistles, where higher frequency harmonics had greater directivity indices than lower frequency harmonics. The results suggest the directional properties of these signals not only provide enhanced information to the sound producer (as in echolocation) but can provide valuable information to conspecific listeners during group coordination and socialization.     

分布式通风消声板特性研究*

在隔声板结构中,分布式内嵌大量小型消声单元,在入射声波被消声单元有效衰减的同时,气流可均匀通过整个板结构,形成一种分布式消声板结构。利用平面波理论和修正传递矩阵法,建立消声板简化模型,并预测模型传递损失。加工消声板样件,实验室内测试并验证其声学及通风性能。对比隔声测试结果与预测结果,验证修正传递矩阵法针对该结构的准确性,同时验证消声板结构的实际效果。结果显示,该分布式消声板结构具有良好的声学效果,修正传递矩阵法可应用于该结构的声学性能预测以及结构设计。     

Efficient equalization of multi-exciter distributed mode loudspeakers

An efficient digital equalization method is applied successfully to the problem of spectral equalization of multi-exciter distributed mode loudspeakers (DML). It is based on a chain of second-order sections of infinite impulse response parametric filters with very low computational cost. The method compensates for the measured multi-exciter DML response in order to achieve a desired frequency response. The sound radiation of these flat loudspeakers is a complex superposition of excited modes that vary strongly with frequency. Therefore, the characteristic multi-exciter DML spectrum is very irregular and is equalized with the method presented here for a natural, uncolored response. In multichannel systems, such as wave field synthesis (WFS), the use of efficient filters to equalize a large amount of drivers is an advantageous approach. The equalization process has been applied to two multi-exciter DML prototypes, comprising three and five exciters per panel. Both panel and exciter equalization have been addressed, which consequences on the filtered responses are discussed. Finally, some subjective assessments are carried out to optimize the order of the filter while maintaining the perceived quality of the equalization.     

Active control of acoustic reflection,absorption, and transmission using thin panel speakers

This paper explores the development of thin panels that can be controlled electronically so as to provide surfaces with desired reflection coefficients. Such panels can be used as either perfect reflectors or absorbers. They can also be designed to be transmission blockers that block the propagation of sound. The development of the control system is based on the use of wave separation algorithms that separate incident sound from reflected sound. In order to obtain a desired reflection coefficient, the reflected sound is controlled to appropriate levels. The incident sound is used as an acoustic reference for feedforward control and has the important property of being isolated from the action of the control system speaker. In order to use a panel as a transmission blocker, the acoustic pressure behind the panel is driven to zero. The use of the incident signal as a reference again plays a key role in successfully reducing broadband transmission of sound. The panels themselves are constructed using poster board and small rare-earth actuators. Detailed experimental results are presented showing the efficacy of the algorithms in achieving real-time control of reflection or transmission. The panels are able to effectively block transmission of broadband sound. Practical applications for these panels include enclosures for noisy machinery, noise-absorbing wallpaper, the development of sound walls, and the development of noise-blocking glass windows.     

The sound transmission loss of a single panel measured with the two-microphone and the conventional method-comparison with the statistical energy analysis model

The sound transmission loss of a single metal panel obtained with the sound intensity technique and the conventional method have been compared with the theoretical model of Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA). This method of comparison with a theoretical model is useful in order to explain small systematic deviations between the results of both experimental methods.It happens that the difference between the so-called residual reactivity level and the measured reactivity gives a good estimate of the accuracy of the intensity measurement. Even in very simple cases this quantity can disturb the measuring results due to the complex sound field close to the sound radiating panel. By correcting the sound transmission loss results with the well known Waterhouse correction and by choosing an appropriate probe distance to the sound radiating construction, good agreement is obtained between the results of both experimental methods as well as with the SEA model.     

Coupling between pressure and temperature amplitudes in waves of second sound in liquid helium

A very sensitive microphone suitable for acoustic measurements in liquid helium is described. With the use of it both, the pressure amplitude of second sound and the amplitude of first sound radiated from the second sound transmitter (carbon layer heater) can be detected. By a special extension of the reciprocity theory the first sound pressure response of the microphone and the second sound transmitter response can be measured. The measured pressure signals of first and second sound are compared with the results of the two-fluid theory.     

Optimal design of PZT actuators in active structural acoustic control of a cylindrical shell with a floor partition

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are employed to optimize locations of PZT actuators in an active structural acoustic control (ASAC) system comprising a cylindrical shell with an internal floor partition. The effect of PZT actuators is simulated using a bending model and an in-plane force model, respectively. The characteristics of the optimal placements of both models are discussed and compared. Numerical simulations demonstrate that for the investigated structure, the in-plane force model has a better control performance than the bending model in the low-frequency range. The underlying physics of the control results are analyzed. Considering the practical applicability of optimally designed ASAC systems, the control performance of the optimal configuration obtained at a single frequency is assessed in the low-frequency range between 100 and 500 Hz, with results showing a significant sound attenuation in the whole range of interest.     

Noise transmission from a curved panel into a cylindrical enclosure: analysis of structural acoustic coupling

Much of the research on sound transmission through the aircraft fuselage into the interior of aircraft has considered coupling of the entire cylinder to the acoustic modes of the enclosure. Yet, much of the work on structural acoustic control of sound radiation has focused on reducing sound radiation from individual panels into an acoustic space. Research by the authors seeks to bridge this gap by considering the transmission of sound from individual panels on the fuselage to the interior of the aircraft. As part of this research, an analytical model of a curved panel, with attached piezoelectric actuators, subjected to a static pressure load was previously developed. In the present work, the analytical model is extended to consider the coupling of a curved panel to the interior acoustics of a rigid-walled cylinder. Insight gained from an accurate analytical model of the dynamics of the noise transmission from the curved panels of the fuselage into the cylindrical enclosure of an aircraft is essential to the development of feedback control systems for the control of stochastic inputs, such as turbulent boundary layer excitation. The criteria for maximal structural acoustic coupling between the modes of the curved panel and the modes of the cylindrical enclosure are studied. For panels with aspect ratios typical of those found in aircraft, results indicate that predominately axial structural modes couple most efficiently to the acoustic modes of the enclosure. The effects of the position of the curved panel on the cylinder are also studied. Structural acoustic coupling is found to not be significantly affected by varying panel position. The impact of the findings of this study on structural acoustic control design is discussed.     

平板扬声器立体声重放的振动对比度控制方法*

利用激振器阵列通过振动对比度控制方法实现了在平板扬声器上重放立体声的声源局域化控制。首先利用激振器到测量点的导纳函数,最大化辐射区和整个平板振动区域的平均动能比值得到阵列的最优空间滤波器。然后分别计算最大化左右声道辐射区和整个振动区域平均动能比值的最优滤波器。最后将立体声信号分别通过对应辐射区最优滤波器滤波相加后,馈给激振器阵列激励平板在两辐射区辐射对应声道的信号。利用8个激振器控制0.48 m长、0.27 m宽、0.001 m厚铝板,在100 Hz～2000 Hz范围内,振动对比度的均值为12 dB。因此该方法可以获得较好的局域化控制效果,进而可以将左右声道的声源局域在平板扬声器的两侧。     

The monopulsed nature of sperm whale clicks

Traditionally, sperm whale clicks have been described as multipulsed, long duration, nondirectional signals of moderate intensity and with a spectrum peaking below 10 kHz. Such properties are counterindicative of a sonar function, and quite different from the properties of dolphin sonar clicks. Here, data are presented suggesting that the traditional view of sperm whale clicks is incomplete and derived from off-axis recordings of a highly directional source. A limited number of assumed on-axis clicks were recorded and found to be essentially monopulsed clicks, with durations of 100 micros, with a composite directionality index of 27 dB, with source levels up to 236 dB re: 1 microPa (rms), and with centroid frequencies of 15 kHz. Such clicks meet the requirements for long-range biosonar purposes. Data were obtained with a large-aperture, GPS-synchronized array in July 2000 in the Bleik Canyon off Vester?len, Norway (69 degrees 28' N, 15 degrees 40' E). A total of 14 h of sound recordings was collected from five to ten independent, simultaneously operating recording units. The sound levels measured make sperm whale clicks by far the loudest of sounds recorded from any biological source. On-axis click properties support previous work proposing the nose of sperm whales to operate as a generator of sound.     

Active control of low-frequency sound radiation by cylindrical shell with piezoelectric stack force actuators

A novel active control method of sound radiation from a cylindrical shell under axial excitations is proposed and theoretically analyzed. This control method is based on a pair of piezoelectric stack force actuators which are installed on the shell and parallel to the axial direction. The actuators are driven in phase and generate the same forces to control the vibration and the sound radiation of the cylindrical shell. The model considered is a fluid-loaded finite stiffened cylindrical shell with rigid end-caps and only low-frequency axial vibration modes are involved. Numerical simulations are performed to explore the required control forces and the optimal mounting positions of actuators under different cost functions. The results show that the proposed force actuators can reduce the radiated sound pressure of low-frequency axial modes in all directions.