Dynamic response of elastically tailored adaptive cantilevers of nonuniform cross section exposed to blast pressure pulses

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to assess the implications of a number of effects of geometric and physical nature on dynamic response control of adaptive cantilevers modeled as composite thin-walled beams. It is considered that the cantilevered beam is exposed to pressure pulses generated, among others, by an explosive blast or sonic-boom. The features on which preponderance will be given in this study are related to the non-uniformity of the beam cross-section, anisotropy of constituent materials, transverse shear and warping inhibition. In order to control the dynamic response, a dual approach based on structural tailoring and adaptive materials technology is implemented. The numerical simulations provide a comprehensive picture of the synergistic implications of the application of both the tailoring technique and active feedback control upon the vibration response of nonuniform cantilevers exposed to blast pressure signatures. Moreover, these are likely to contribute to the clarification of the implications of various parameters playing a role on the beam response.