Non-linear vibrations of parametrically excited cantilever beams subjected to non-linear delayed-feedback control

Non-linear feedback control provides an effective methodology for vibration mitigation in non-linear dynamic systems. However, within digital circuits, actuation mechanisms, filters, and controller processing time, intrinsic time-delays unavoidably bring an unacceptable and possibly detrimental delay period between the controller input and real-time system actuation. If not well-studied, these inherent and compounding delays may inadvertently channel energy into or out of a system at incorrect time intervals, producing instabilities and rendering controllers’ performance ineffective. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the effect of time delays on the non-linear control of parametrically excited cantilever beams. More specifically, we examine three non-linear cubic delayed-feedback control methodologies: position, velocity, and acceleration delayed feedback. Utilizing the method of multiple scales, we derive the modulation equations that govern the non-linear dynamics of the beam. These equations are then utilized to investigate the effect of time delays on the stability, amplitude, and frequency–response behavior. We show that, when manifested in the feedback, even the minute amount of delays can completely alter the behavior and stability of the parametrically excited beam, leading to unexpected behavior and responses that could puzzle researchers if not well-understood and documented.