Application of eigenvalue sensitivity theory to the improvement of the design of a linear dynamic system

✍ Scribed by R.S. Sharp; P.C. Brooks

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 710 KB
• Volume: 114
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-460X
• DOI: 10.1016/s0022-460x(87)80230-4

✦ Synopsis

The utility of eigenvalue sensitivity theory in the context of the design of linear dynamic systems with constant coefficients is illustrated by a discussion of a particular problem, treated with the aid of a computer software package described in a companion paper. The problem concerns the straight line stability of an automobile with steering wheel fixed, the vehicle model being eighth order and containing 32 design parameters. The starting design, having parameters describing a lightly laden production vehicle, has an easily identifiable problem, too little damping of an oscillatory mode of motion at high speed, and eigenvalue/system design parameter sensitivity data are used to guide improvements. The problem treated in many ways typifies a large class of problems which arise regularly in engineering, and the discussion exemplifies the efficiency with which design improvements can be identified in appropriate cases through the employment of the software in question.