Active strain-energy tuning of low actuator-fraction shape-memory alloy (SMA) hybrid composites

This paper investigates the effect of active strain-energy tuning (ASET) on the vibration response of low actuator-fraction shape memory alloy (SMA) hybrid composites. It shows that in contrast to higher fraction materials, ASET results in reductions in resonance frequencies. There is also little effect of actuator strain in the range 4–6%. Analysis shows that the fundamental mechanism for frequency shifts is common to both high and low actuator-fraction laminates; differences arise only from the nature of the balances between matrix effects and the level of force available from the embedded actuators.