Finite element modelling of piezolaminated smart structures for active vibration control with distributed sensors and actuators

Finite element modelling of laminated structures with distributed piezoelectric sensor and actuator layers and control electronics is considered in this paper. Beam, plate and shell type elements have been developed incorporating the stiffness, mass and electromechanical coupling effects of the piezoelectric laminates. The effects of temperature on the electrical and mechanical properties and the coupling between them are also taken into consideration in the finite element formulation. The piezoelectric beam element is based on Timoshenko beam theory. The plate/shell element is a nine-noded field-consistent element based on first order shear deformation theory. Constant-gain negative velocity feedback, Lyapunov feedback as well as a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) approach have been used for active vibration control with the structures subjected to impact, harmonic and random excitations. The influence of the pyroelectric effects on the vibration control performance is also investigated. The LQR approach is found to be more effective in vibration control with lesser peak voltages applied in the piezo actuator layers as in this case the control gains are obtained by minimizing a performance index. The application of these elements in high-performance, light-weight structural systems is highlighted.