Model-Based Estimation of Impact Forces Affecting Elastic Structures: Simulation and Experiment

The paper introduces into the concept of model-based impact estimation of elastic structures. Based on the model of the affected linear structure a robust linear observer technique is applied to estimate the unknown impacts. The complete procedure of impact estimation is shown by simulations. Results of the observer-based estimation of unknown impacts are presented. As a new result, it is observed that the proposed observer technique can generally (but with limitations) be applied to elastic structures.