Fractional order state equations for the control of viscoelasticallydamped structures

Fractional order state equations are developed to predict the effects of feedback intended to reduce motion in damped structures. The mechanical properties of damping materials are modeled using fractional order time derivatives of stress and strain. These models accurately describe the broadband effects of material damping in the structure's equations of motion. The resulting structural equations of motion are used to derive the fractional order state equations. Substantial differences between the structural and state equations are seen to exist. The mathematical form of the state equations suggests the feedback of fractional order time derivatives of structural displacements to improve control system performance. Several other advantages of the fractional order state formulation are discussed. Nomenclature