A Frequency-Domain Approach to Optimal Fractional-Order Damping

In this paper, we will consider the single term optimal fractional-order damper for an otherwise undamped oscillator. First, we will find the single term damper that minimizes the time domain integral of the squared step error (2-norm) and the integral of the time-weighted squared error (Hilbert–Schmidt–Hankel norm). Next we will consider a more intuitive frequency domain approach that insures the maximally flat magnitude response. Time and frequency domain plots are given for comparison with the integer-order solutions. Further improvements in performance are shown to be possible using multiple active fractional-order dampers.