Piezoelectric Pushers for Active Vibration Control of Rotating Machinery

The active control of rotordynamic vibrations and stability by magnetic bearings and electromagnetic shakers has been discussed extensively in the literature. These devices, though effective, are usually large in volume and add significant weight to the stator. The use of piezoelectric pushers may provide similar degrees of effectiveness in light, compact packages. This paper contains analyses which extend quadratic regulator and derivative feedback control methods to the “prescribed displacement” character of piezoelectric pushers. The structrual stiffness of the pusher is also included in the theory. Tests are currently being conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center with piezoelectric pusher-based active vibration control. The paper presents results performed on the NASA test rig as preliminary verification of the related theory.