Control of imperfect dynamical systems

Imperfections are unavoidable in production processes of real devices. Despite this, and despite the fact that real devices usually operate in regimes far from ideality, they still work. This is related to the fact that imperfections give rise to hidden dynamics, which, opportunely excited, have an overall positive effect on the device. In this paper, we focus on a complex and imperfect electromechanical structure which can be considered as a paradigm for imperfect systems. The electrical and mechanical interactions within the structure generate complex patterns of vibration which may prevent the system to reach the correct working conditions. A control strategy to ensure the optimal working conditions based on the excitation of the hidden dynamics induced by imperfections is discussed, characterizing its effect with respect to the control signal properties and to the power provided to the structure.