The flexible beam was conceived to model flexible space structures to study vibration suppression. The experiment consists of a motor, potentiometer, and a beam clamp assembly coupled along the axis of rotation of the motor. The entire assembly is mounted to a support structure. Several beams can be attached to the beam clamp. Vibration can be induced in the beam through the motor or an external impulse. The control objective is to center the beam and dampen the vibrations as quickly as possible. The potentiometer provides a measurement of the rotation of the beam. Two accelerometers are available to be mounted on the beam to measure deflections along the beam.

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