Finite element modeling and experimental validation of an elastic beam with surface bonded piezoelectric devices

This paper presents a new formulation, in terms of an integrated finite element model, of a mechanical beam with surface bonded piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Lagrange equation considering both mechanical and piezoelectric energies is used to derive the element dynamic equation which, assembled with the state space formulation of the electronic circuit, yields the overall state space equation. Modal reduction, including static deflections modes, is introduced to lower the model order. An experimental verification has been carried out on a simple beam with a bonded polyvinylidene fluoride layer acting as a sensor. The results have shown a very good accordance between the model and the real system