An active method for the control of mechanical systems in the presence of unmeasurable forcing

Abstract The paper shows how the response of an inertial system to an unknown external force can be controlled. An estimate of the external force is derived via acceleration and control force measurements and this prediction is used to generate an actuator force equal and opposite to the external force. Compensation for actuator dynamics is discussed and the ability of the method to deal with harmonic, random and system generated (linear and non-linear) forces is considered.