Minimax LQG optimal control of a flexible beam

The paper presents a practical robust controller design methodology based on recent theoretical results on minimax LQG control. This controller design methodology is illustrated with the design of a robust feedback controller for the control of vibrations in a flexible cantilever beam. The minimax LQG control approach is used to design a controller which minimizes the total vibration energy in the beam which is subject to white noise disturbances. The controller is designed to be robust against uncertainties introduced by neglecting the higher order modes of the beam.