A generalized method for a mix of optimal open and closed loop controls applied to a system subjected to an external load

This thesis presents a generalized method for applying an optimal open/closed loop control force which depends on both position and velocity control feedbacks to a physical system described by a set of partial differential equations of a certain form, and subjected to an external load. The optimal open loop control force will be determined via a calculus of variations approach. Then, 1 of 2 performance measures will be minimized for 2 cases. In 1st case closed loop control gain penalties will be absent and in the 2 nd they will be utilized. Minimization of energy, numerically, at terminal time leads to the optimal feedback control parameters. This method will be applied to a thin strip plate subjected to an external moving load that oscillates with time and for 2 different frequencies, as well as to a step load. The results of this method will then be compared to those of an optimal open loop control effort for the thin strip plate.