In this paper, the MFC sensor and actuators are applied to suppress circular plate vibrations. It is assumed that the system to be regulated is unknown. The mathematical model of the plate was obtained on the base of registration of a system response on a fixed excitation. For the estimation of the system’s behaviour the ARX identification method was used to derive the linear model in the form of a transfer function of the order nine. The obtained model is then used to develop the linear feedback control algorithm for the cancellation of vibration by using the MFC star-shaped actuator (SIMO system). The MFC elements location is dealt with in this study with the use of a laser scanning vibrometer. The control schemes presented have the ability to compute the control effort and to apply it to the actuator within one sampling period. This control scheme is then illustrated through some numerical examples with simulations modelling the designed controller. The paper also describes the experimental results of the designed control system. Finally, the results obtained for the considered plate show that in the chosen frequency limit the designed structure of a closed-loop system with MFC elements provides a substantial vibration suppression.

Vibration intensity in mobile machines depends on the road roughness profile, ride velocity and dissipative properties of machine components. To reduce vibrations of a mobile machine with a boom equipment one of the available passive methods, utilizing a hydropnematic system for boom support to improve flexibility, the system incorporating throttling valves. Energy dissipation in a hydropneumatic system controls the decay of vibrations of the machine body and equipment. In the range of large velocities, passive methods prove inadequate. When ride velocity is to be increased, at the same time the required safety features and stabilization of the position of machine equipment are to be provided, further dynamic analyses are fully merited to identify processes taking place in the driving system. The final result should be the synthesis of the LQR control system to modulate the loading characteristics of the motor and to control the flow in a hydraulic boom-support system.