Characterization of surface-bondedpiezoelectric actuators on curved beams

Abstract

In this paper, we examine and evaluate the effectiveness ofdifferent types and configurations of surface-bonded piezoelectricactuators on curved beams. Firstly, an analytical model for curvedpiezoelectric actuators is developed to investigate the actuationmechanism, considering the effects of the interfacial peelingstresses as well as the shear stresses. The average value of themoment distribution calculated from the interfacial stresses is usedas a performance index to evaluate the actuation authority, treatingthe piezoelectric patch as a point moment actuator. Parametricstudies on the actuation authorities are performed to examine theeffects of the parameters: radius, Young's modulus of bonding layers,and thickness of bonding layers, actuators and host structures.Secondly, for the analysis of flat actuators, a three-dimensionalfinite element method is used to include the effects of interfacialpeeling stresses, and similar parametric studies are performed.Finally, experiments are carried out to verify the numerical model.The results show that the effects of interfacial peeling stressesshould be considered under certain conditions depending on the systemparameters, especially when the thickness of the host structure isrelatively thin. It is also shown that the orders of the actuationauthorities among a set of three treatment configurations (two withflat actuators and one with a curved actuator) vary significantlywith respect to these system parameters.