Structural Shape Control Using Macro Fiber Composite Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators

Abstract

This article presents an approach for sizing and positioning piezoelectric Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) components for attenuating structural vibration. Even though this new material has become popular in the domain of structural vibration control for its easy conformability and repeatable manufacturing process, as well as their durability and efficiency, little is still known regarding the theoretical modeling of these piezoelectric components and their implementation in Finite Element Method software. Being designed empirically, one could say that MFCs have been poorly investigated when it comes to understanding their actuation properties as a function of their design parameters and electrical properties. The article proposes a finite element method to design smart structures with MFCs. An experimental model of a controlled clamped beam was used to validate the numerical results of the proposed method. The actuation and sensing capabilities of these MFC components are then compared to normal hard piezoelectric ceramics findings.