Optimal Stabilization of Column Buckling

Linear buckling of column structures is an important design constraint in many structures, particularly where weight is a primary concern. Active strengthening is the application of feedback control to increase the critical buckling load of the structure. An important feature of this control problem is that the structure is inherently unstable when the axial load surpasses the critical buckling load. This research presents a design method for creating optimal buckling control systems using state or static output feedback. The primary feature of this method is the ability to select the designed closed loop, actively strengthened, critical buckling load. The stability of the resulting controllers is determined using Lyapunov methods. Simulation and experimental demonstration of this algorithm is performed using a column employing piezoelectric actuators, and MEMS-based strain sensors. The optimal buckling controllers developed are able to increase the critical buckling load by a factor of 2.9. The closed loop system is able to support lower axial loads indefinitely (>30 min).