Controllability and Observability

Abstract

Controllability and observability are structural properties that carry information useful for structural testing and control, yet they are not fully utilized by structural engineers. The usefulness can be found by reviewing the definitions of the controllability and observability of a structure. A structure is controllable if the installed actuators excite all its structural modes. It is observable if the installed sensors detect the motions of all the modes. This information, although essential in many applications (e.g, in the placement of sensors and actuators), is too limited. It answers the question of mode excitation or detection in terms of yes or no. The more quantitative answer is supplied by the controllability and observability grammians, which represent a degree of controllability and observability of each mode.