Damping control of a piezoelectric laminated structure

Piezoelectric materials, when bonded to the surface of a structure, can be used as distributed sensors and actuators for structural monitoring and vibration control. Active piezoelectric structures capable of self-adaptation and high-precision operations have drawn much attention in recent years. In this paper, distributed vibration sensing and control of a simply supported beam are studied. The mathematical model of a beam with distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators Is formulated. The model provides estimates of the sensor signal, the actuator-induced moment, and the controlled damping ratio due to the bonded piezoelectric layers. The effectiveness of active damping controls Is evaluated with respect to different feedback gains and sensor/actuator thickness. This paper can help engineering technology students to understand the concept of smart structural systems as well as the application of piezoelectric materials in structural vibration control.