Industrial approach to static and dynamic finite element modeling of composite structures with embedded actuators

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Abstract
A finite element modeling technique has been developed to accurately predict both the static and dynamic response of a structure containing embedded piezoelectric actuators. This process utilizes a commercially available and benchmarked finite element program and can be used with shell or solid elements in any static analysis, time-domain or frequency-domain dynamic analysis. It is possible to apply the piezoelectric loads while simultaneously applying other mechanical or thermal loads even though the induced strain of the piezoelectric actuators is modeled using thermal expansion. The technique uses superelements to apply the thermal loads at any frequency and magnitude and to incorporate a fine mesh near the actuator even if a course mesh is used over the remaining portions of the structure. The technique's generic and modular nature allows a complex actuator superelement to be used multiple times in multiple smart structure models. Experiments conducted on composite coupons with embedded actuators validate the current modeling technique and demonstrate the method's successful prediction of the dynamic response of the specimens. This process is one of several smart structure modeling techniques being developed under the Synthesis and Processing of Intelligent Cost Effective Structures program sponsored by the Advanced Research Projects Agency.

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