Micro-Control Actions of Segmented Actuators on Shallow Paraboloidal Shell Reflectors

Abstract

Shallow paraboloidal shells of revolution are common components for reflectors, mirrors, etc. This study is to investigate the micro-control actions and distributed control effectiveness of precision paraboloidal shell structures laminated with segmented actuator patches. Mathematical models and governing equations of the paraboloidal shells laminated with distributed actuator layers segmented into patches are presented first, followed by formulations of distributed control forces and micro-control actions including meridional/circumferential membrane and bending control components based on an assumed mode shape function and the Taylor series expansion. Distributed control forces, patch sizes, actuator locations, micro-control actions, and normalized control authorities of a shallow paraboloidal shell are then analyzed in a case study. Analysis indicates that 1) the control forces and membrane/bending components are mode and location dependent, 2) the meridional/circumferential membrane control actions dominate the overall control effect, 3) there are optimal actuator locations resulting in the maximal control effects at the minimal control cost for each natural mode. The analytical results provide generic design guidelines for actuator placement on precision shallow paraboloidal shell structures.