Development of a Modal Model for Simultaneous Active and Passive Piezoelectric Vibration Suppression

The use of piezoelectric materials simultaneously as passive single-mode devices and active broadband actuators to suppress structural vibrations is discussed. A simple modal model that predicts this behavior is developed. Experimental studies conducted to verify the model show a reduction of 20 dB in the response of the second mode of the structure is possible via passive shunting while simultaneously commanding the piezoactuator. The results indicate that for vibration problems involving a few modes, piezoelectric devices combining active and passive techniques can significantly reduce the broadband structural response to disturbances.