1. Vibration Control, Noise Control, Shock Control of Space Structures

We have developed vibration control, acoustic control, and shock control for space structures such as space stations, lunar bases, and artificial satellites. In space, sufficient of power supply is not expected. Thus, an innovative method is required to suppress structural vibration using a self-powered control device. Our laboratory focuses on a truss structure that forms a structural member for next-generation space stations. We have installed a truss structure in our laboratory, which is employed for proof experiments.

References

[2026] Improved Control Strategy for Magnetostrictive-Based Vibration Suppression Method Using Negative Capacitor in Flexible Multiple-Degree-Of-Freedom Structures
Li, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 624, Article No. 119535 (Open Access)

[2025] Magnetostrictive Vibration Suppression via Integration of Current Amplification Negative Capacitor and Current Inversion Semi-Active Control Circuit
Li, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 53-73 (Open Access)

[2024] Comparison of Magnetostrictive-Actuated Semi-Active Control Methods Based on Synchronized Switching
Li, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Actuators, Vol. 14, No. 4, Article No. 143 (Open Access)

[2024] Magnetostrictive-based Induced Current Inversion and Amplification: Semi-Active Vibration Suppression for Multiple-Degree-of-Freedom Flexible Structures
Li, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 568, Article No. 118069 (Open Access)

[2024] Statistically-Oriented Optimal Control and Disturbance Prediction for Piezoelectric Semi-Active Vibration Suppression
Abe, M., Mishima, K., Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 165-180 (Open Access)

[2023] Semi-Active Switching Vibration Control with Tree-Based Prediction and Optimization Strategy
Abe, M., Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 440 – 460

[2022] Comprehensive Predictive Control for Vibration Suppression Based on Piecewise Constant Input Formulation
Takamoto, I., Abe, M., Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures Vol. 33, No. 7, pp. 901 – 917

[2020] Predictive Switching Vibration Control Based on Harmonic Input Formulation
Takamoto, I., Abe, M., Hara, Y., Nakahara, T., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Sensors & Actuators: A. Physical Vol. 315, Article No. 112271

2. Energy-Harvesting Using Smart Structures

We cannot solely rely on solar power generation on the moon because night time occurs for up to 14 days. Therefore, energy harvesting from vibration sources should be explored. We are developing an energy harvester that is utilized not only in space structures but also vehicles such as airplanes and automobiles.

References

[2026] Improved Control Strategy for Magnetostrictive-Based Vibration Suppression Method Using Negative Capacitor in Flexible Multiple-Degree-Of-Freedom Structures
Li, A., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 624, Article No. 119535 (Open Access)

[2026] Modified Charge Inversion and Extraction Switching Strategies for a Strongly Coupled Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester
Zhou, M., Hara, Y., Tang, T., Mishima,K., Jia, Y., Shi, Y., Soutis, C., Kurita, H., Narita, F., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 97-123 (Open Access)

[2025] Experimental Validation: Model Predictive Control-Based Strategy for Optimized Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting under Multimodal Vibration
Zhou, M., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Engineering Research Express, Vol. 7, No. 4, Article No. 0455a2 (Open Access)

[2025] Switch Control Strategy Adapted to Multimodal Vibration and Circuit with Fewer Diodes for Magnetostrictive Energy Harvesting
Kobayashi Y., Li A., Solehuddin, S. B., Koyano, K., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 34, No. 6, Article No. 065039 (Open Access)

[2025] Model Predictive Control for Optimized Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting under Multimodal Vibration Excitation: Theory and Simulation
Zhou, M., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Engineering Research Express, Vol. 7, No. 2, Article No. 025526 (Open Access)

[2025] High-Fidelity Analysis and Experiments of a Wireless Sensor Node with a Built-In Supercapacitor Powered by Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting
Yamada, T., Asanuma, H., Hara, Y., Erturk, A.
Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 224, Article No. 112147 (Open Access)

[2025] Piezoelectric Flutter Energy Harvesting: Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation Model and Wind Tunnel Experiment
Mukogawa, T., Shimura, K., Dong, S., Fujita, K., Nagai, H., Kameyama, M., Shi, Y., Jia, Y., Soutis, C., Kurita, H., Narita, F., Hara, Y., Makihara, K., Otsuka, K.
Mechanics Research Communications, Vol. 143, Article No. 104351 (Open Access)

[2024] Energy Harvesting Using Magnetostrictive Materials: Effects of Material Anisotropy and Stress Multiaxiality
Liu, Y., Daniel, L., Lallart, M., Sebald, G., Makihara, K., Ducharne, B.
Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical, Vol. 366, Article No. 115017

[2023] Energy Harvesting Using Magnetostrictive Transducer Based on Switch Control
Li, A., Goto, K., Kobayashi, Y., Hara, Y., Jia, Y., Shi, Y., Soutis, C., Kurita, H., Narita, F., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Sensors and Actuators: A. Physical, Vol. 355, Article No. 114303 (Open Access)

[2023] Investigation of Energy Harvesting Capabilities of Metglas 2605SA1
Liu, Y., Ducharne, B., Sebald, G., Makihara, K., Lallart, M.
Applied Sciences, Vol. 13, No. 6, Article No. 3477

[2023] Performance Evaluation of Magnetostrictive Small Wind Turbines using Fe-Co Alloy-based Clad Sheets
Ueno, T., Nakaki, T., Mukogawa, T., Dong, S., Kurita, H., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K., Narita, F.
Advanced Engineering Materials, Vol. 25, No. 19, Article No. 2300185

[2021] Adaptive and Robust Operation with Active Fuzzy Harvester under Nonstationary and Random Disturbance Conditions
Hara, Y., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Sensors, Vol. 21, No. 11, p. 3913 (Open Access)

[2021] Piezoelectric Energy Enhancement Strategy for Active Fuzzy Harvester with Time-Varying and Intermittent Switching
Hara, Y., Zhou, M., Li, A., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 30, No. 1, Article No. 015038

[2020] Self-Sensing State Estimation of SSHI Energy Harvesters
Hara, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Makihara, K.
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures Vol. 31, No. 20, pp. 2326 – 2341

3. Experiments for Space-Debris Impacts

The impact of space debris and meteorites is a serious issue for space structures. We have implemented measures to mitigate hypervelocity impact in collaboration with JAXA. We are investigating the use of a conductive tether system for debris removal. We are conducting research on the durability of inflatable structures, which are attracting attention as space structures, against space debris collisions and meteorite collisions, from the viewpoint of experimental verification using large impact experiments.

References

[2025] Partial Heat Curing Enhancing Space Debris Shielding Performance in Multi-Layered Inflatable Structures
Takahashi, H., Sugiyama, Y., Kuzuno, R., Hasegawa, S., Ohtani, K., Hara, Y., Makihara, K.
Journal of Space Safety Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 253-265

[2025] Shape Keepers of Hollow Cylindrical Electrodynamic Tethers for Space Debris Removal
Hara, Y., Kuzuno, R., Takahashi, H., Sugiyama, Y., Kikuji, Y., Ohtani, K., Hasegawa, S., Makihara, K.
AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 62, No. 4, pp. 1433-1444 (Open Access)

[2021] Assessment of Space Debris Collisions Against Spacecraft with Deorbit Devices
Tomizaki, H., Kobayashi, R., Suzuki, M., Karasawa, N., Hasegawa, S., Makihara, K.
Advances in Space Research, Vol. 67, No. 5, pp. 1526-1534

[2020] Damage of Twisted Tape Tethers on Debris Collision
Uwamino, Y., Fujiwara, M., Tomizaki, H., Ohtani, K., Makihara, K.
International Journal of Impact Engineering Vol. 137, Article No. 103440

4. Tensegrity for Space Structures

We are creating a new space structure using the ultra-lightweight variable structure “tensegrity” composed of rods and threads. Tensegrity is a next-generation structure with high strength, light weight, impact resistance, and high storage capacity It is expected to be used as a lunar base, a Mars base, and a planetary probe. Our laboratory is working on the realization of the tensegrity space structure from both experimental and theoretical perspectives.

References

[2024] Establishment of Iterative Modeling Method for Spherical Tensegrity Structure Using Rotational Symmetry and Regular Polyhedron Configuration
Mori, E., Matsumoto, Y., Kawabata, N., Otsuka, K., Makihara, K.
Mechanics Research Communications, Vol. 135, Article No. 104217 (Open Access)