Dynamic Vibration Mitigation in Ship Propellers Using Hybrid Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control

This study presents a solution for mitigating longitudinal vibrations in ship propeller shafts by employing a Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control (FSMC) strategy integrated with Magnetorheological (MR) dampers. The semi-active control system dynamically modulates the MR damper forces in real-time, aiming to enhance structural integrity, machine performance, and passenger comfort in marine propulsion systems. A mathematical model is developed using a modified Bouc-Wen model for the MR damper and Timoshenko beam theory for the ship shaft. The FSMC strategy is employed to address system uncertainties and reduce chattering effects, ensuring stable and accurate control. Experimental validation with advanced MR fluid dampers confirms the model's accuracy. The validated MR damper model is then integrated into the numerical modeling of the ship shaft system, showcasing strong predictive capabilities. The impact of rotational speed on marine propeller shaft vibration is examined, with results indicating significant improvements in longitudinal acceleration, ranging from 24.68 to 46.87% across various speeds. These findings highlight the efficacy of the proposed intelligent control system in enhancing vibration control for marine applications.