Control-structure interaction in a free beam

A simple energy approach to study the problem of control structure interactions in large space structures is presented. For the illustrative case of a free-free beam, the vibrational energy imparted during operation of constant, step, and pulsed thrusters is found in a nondimensional closed form. Then based on a parametric study, suggestions are made on the choice of parameters to minimize the control structure interactions. The study of this simple system provides physical insight and understanding for more complex systems.