Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Active Vibration Suppression in Smart Viscoelastic Composite Structures
Keywords:
multi-agent reinforcement learning, active vibration control, smart viscoelastic composites, distributed intelligence, system governance, sustainability, structural health monitoringAbstract
The integration of active control within smart viscoelastic composite structures represents a transformative pathway toward ultra-lightweight, resilient aerospace, automotive, and civil infrastructure systems. Traditional centralized active vibration control methods suffer from limited scalability, vulnerability to single-point failures, and an inability to adapt to evolving structural dynamics and material nonlinearities. This paper presents a system-level investigation into multi-agent reinforcement learning as a distributed computational paradigm for active vibration suppression. By treating each actuator-sensor pair within a viscoelastic composite laminate as an autonomous learning agent, the structure becomes a networked society of decision-making entities capable of cooperative policy optimization. The discussion foregrounds architectural trade-offs in centralized training with decentralized execution, communication topology design, and the integration of passive viscoelastic damping with active piezoelectric control. Deep consideration is given to deployment infrastructure, including edge-cloud orchestration, digital twins, and safety-assured real-time operation. The study further examines cross-cutting concerns of robustness against sensor faults and adversarial attacks, fairness in actuator energy allocation, and algorithmic governance in safety-critical systems. Sustainability implications such as energy efficiency, structural lifespan extension, and material reuse are explored, alongside emerging policy frameworks, certification standards, and societal acceptance challenges. The paper argues that multi-agent reinforcement learning can evolve from a computational technique into a systemic design philosophy for self-regulating, sustainable smart structures, provided that governance, fairness, and lifecycle engineering are embedded into the infrastructure from the outset.
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