Simultaneous Structural and Control Design Using Constraint Functions

A design technique is presented which modifies system dynamics by simultaneously considering control system gains and structural design parameters. Constraint functions are devised that become smaller as (1) structural design parameters and feedback gains become smaller, and (2) closed-loop eigenvalues migrate toward more desirable regions. By minimizing a weighted sum of these functions, the interaction between design performance and design parameters can be explored. Examples are given that show the effects of the weighting parameters, and the potential advantages of this technique over traditional pole placement techniques.