Control of Mechanical Systems

The project will mainly focus on expanding the knowledge of adjustable passive, lossless mechanical devices and the possibility to use them in the future to improve performance of various mechanical systems, e.g. car's suspension dynamics. Recent work in this research area proves that it is possible to theoretically define such components. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate possibilities to realise them physically, which the project will attempt to achieve. Research is also oriented at designing new theories for control systems, which incorporate these devices, to accomplish the desired behaviour by employing various concepts from control theory. Finally, the project will explore ways to apply the findings in industry, since it is believed that considerable gains in performance of mechanical systems, such as, adaptive system response for varying operating conditions, could potentially be achieved and be applied widely.