Distributed Photostrictive Actuation and Opto-Piezothermoelasticity Applied to Vibration Control of Plates

Abstract

Conventional hard-wired sensor/actuator systems are likely sensitive to strong electromagnetic fields, cross-talks, electric noises, etc. Noncontact distributed opto-electromechanical actuators driven by high-energy lights do not require direct hardwire connections. These opto-electromechanical actuators can operate in hostile and extreme environments with strong magnetic and/or electric disturbances. In this study, detailed photostriction, pyroelectricity, thermoelasticity and photodeformation of 2-D opto-electromechanical photostrictive actuators are analyzed. A servo control system is proposed and its governing system equation is derived. The opto-electromechanical actuators are used in vibration control of a rectangular plate. Experimentally calibrated simulation results show that the opto-electromechanical actuators are effective in vibration control and the highest frequency of controllable vibration can achieve several hundred Hertz.