Modeling of wireless remote shape control for beams using nonlinear photostrictive actuators

Photostrictive materials produce mechanical strain when irradiated by ultraviolet light, thus may be used in wireless remote control of smart microstructures. This paper presents an investigation into modelling and static shape control of beams with nonlinear photostrictive actuators. Governing equations of beams bonded with photostrictive actuator patches are derived to study the interaction between the photostrictive actuators and the host beams. An analytical solution method is presented to solve the governing equations of the beams with discretely distributed photostrictive actuators. An iterative procedure is developed to find optimal light intensities in photostrictive actuators that best match the actuated shape to the desired one. An example is given to illustrate the model and shape control of a beam with PLZT actuators.