Photostrictive actuators for photonic control of shallow spherical shells

Abstract

Photostrictive materials, exhibiting light-induced strain, are of interest for the future generation of wireless remote control photo-actuators. Photostrictive actuators are expected to be used as the driving component in optically controlled flexible structures. In this paper, the photonic control of flexible spherical shells using discrete photostrictive actuators is investigated. This paper presents a coupled opto-piezothermoelastic shell theory that incorporates photovoltaic, pyroelectric and piezoelectric effects, and has the capability to predict the response of a spherical shell driven by the photostrictive actuators. In this study, the effects of actuator location as well as membrane and bending components on the control action have been analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the control forces are mode and location dependent. Analysis also shows that the membrane control action is much more significant than the bending control action.