Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study concerns numerical studies and experimental validation of the mechanical behavior of hybrid specimens. These kinds of composite specimens are made up of thin carbon and glass substrates on which some Macro Fiber Composite® (MFC) piezoelectric patches are glued. A proper design and manufacturing of the hybrid specimens as well as testing activities have been performed. The research activity has been carried out under the FutureWings project, funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes the basic assumptions made to define specimen geometries and to carry out experimental tests. Finite element (FE) results and experimental data (laser technique measurements) have been compared: it shows very good agreement for the displacements’ distribution along the specimens. Findings Within the objectives of the project, the study of passive and active deformation characteristics of the hybrid composite material has provided reference technical data and has allowed for the correct adaptation of the FE models. More in particular, using the hybrid specimens, both the bending deformations and the torsion deformations have been studied. Practical implications The deformation capability of the hybrid specimens will be used in the development of prototypical three-dimensional structures, that, through the electrical control of the MFC patches, will be able to change the curvature of their cross section or will be able to change the angle of torsion along their longitudinal axis. Originality/value The design of nonstandard specimens and the tests executed represent a novelty in the field of structures using piezoelectric actuators. The numerical and experimental data of the present research constitute a small step forward in the field of smart materials technology.
Highlights
A research project is aimed at the theoretical study, and preliminary experimental validation, of a wing structure having the capability of changing its aerodynamic shape through the use of a new type of hybrid materials, which are based on the implementation of layers of piezoelectric fibers into laminates of composite materials
A good agreement can be observed between the data and, as done in our work, the finite element (FE) model of the plate has been constructed with three-dimensional solid elements
The Macro Fiber Composite® (MFC) are made of piezoelectric fibers and they have directional functionality
Summary
Ei Gij ij FE FEM FEA GUI MFC ppm ϭ Young’s modulus in the direction i ϭ Shear modulus in the i – j plane ϭ Poisson ratio in the i – j plane ϭ Finite element ϭ Finite element method ϭ Finite element analysis ϭ Graphical user interface ϭ Macro Fiber Composite® ϭ Part per million
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