Vibrations cannot be ignored as they tend to be detrimental to a mechanical structure’s integrity,
jeopardize performance of machinery , reduce production quality or even jeopardize human health
and safety.
Resonance is often experienced as unwanted as illustrated with the Millennium bridge that was
closed two days after officially opening it because of alarmingly swaying.
An academic breakthrough is proposed in nonlinear vibration control where we deliberately
force specific desirable nonlinear resonances for rapid and efficient vibration reduction by actuating in
just a single point. Nonlinear resonances appear in nonlinear mechanical
systems which show very diverse oscillatory behaviour depending on the energy level of the vibration source. Here a novel control architecture,
implemented as a virtual mechanical system, creates
counteracting forces to bring about the robust appearance of a nonlinear resonance at the controller
guaranteeing the transfer of vibrational energy to the controller.