Feasibility issues in static output-feedback controller design with application to structural vibration control

Recent results in output-feedback controller design make possible an efficient computation of static output-feedback controllers by solving a single-step LMI optimization problem. This new design strategy is based on a simple transformation of variables, and it has been applied in the field of vibration control of large structures with positive results. There are, however, some feasibility problems that can compromise the effectiveness and applicability of the new approach. In this paper, we present some relevant properties of the variable transformations that allow devising an effective procedure to deal with these feasibility issues. The proposed procedure is applied in designing a static velocity-feedback H ∞ controller for the seismic protection of a five-story building with excellent results.