A Transfer-Function Formulation For Nonuniformly Distributed Parameter Systems

Abstract

This paper studies a transfer-function formulation for general one-dimensional, nonuniformly distributed systems, subject to arbitrary boundary conditions and external disturbances. In the development, the governing equations of the nonuniform system are cast into a state-space form in the Laplace transform domain. The system response and distributed transfer functions are derived in term of the fundamental matrix of the state-space equation. Two approximate methods, the step-function approximation and truncated Taylor series, are proposed to evaluate the fundamental matrix. With the transfer-function formulation, various dynamics and control problems for the nonuniformly distributed system can be conveniently addressed. The transfer-function analysis also is applied to constrained/combined nonuniformly distibuted systems. The method developed is illustrated on two nonuniform beams.