Finite element model for active control of intelligent structures

Abstract

A generalized finite element formulation for active vibration control of a laminated plate integrated with piezoelectric polymer layers acting as distributed sensors and actuators is presented. An eight-noded two-dimensional quadratic quadrilateral isoparametric element is derived for modeling the global coupled electroelastic behavior of the overall structure using higher-order shear deformable displacement theory. The procedure is illustrated with a simply supported plate in which the substrate is a symmetric (0/90/0 deg) graphite-epoxy laminate, and the sensor and actuator layers are made of polyvinylidene fluoride. Results show that significant reduction in vibration amplitude occurs because of increased damping through feedback.