Non-model-based semi-active vibration suppression of stay cables using magneto-rheological fluid dampers

In this paper, a simple, non-model-based control strategy is developed to control stay cable vibration using magneto-rheological (MR) fluid dampers, which are semi-active devices with adjustable damping properties. The strategy is an integral plus double integral control based on the collocated accelerometer feedback. An experimental study of this control method is conducted on a model stay cable equipped with an MR damper. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, comparisons of the unimpeded stay cable, passive-off, passive-on and the proposed integral plus double integral control are conducted. For each case, the damping ratio of the stay cable vibration is calculated. Comparisons of the experimental results show that non-model-based vibration control of the stay cable using the MR damper is most effective in reducing the stay cable vibration.