Finite element model updating of a plate type structure made of composite material using a network of PZT

Abstract

Abstract Ambient vibrations are one of the most unpredicted, undesired, and uncontrolled destructive causes of sudden failure for many types of structural systems, predominantly those made of FRP thin plates. FRP thin plates may undergo dramatic collapse beneath the periodic ambient loads associated with frequencies, particularly those approaching natural frequencies. Much research has been done over the last few decades to enhance the structural damping behaviour capabilities of thin plates against ambient vibrations via several means and systems of active vibration control. Recent, exceptional advancements in the field of smart materials and their applications in the field of active vibration control have provided a viable alternative to conventional vibration control tools (sensors/actuators). For instance, the coupled properties inherited by PWAS were utilised to develop durable, compact, and efficient actuators/sensors. To minimize the influence of the disparity between the theoretical and actual dynamic structure performances, the numerical FEM has to be updated using real structural data. In the present study, a model update of the structural parameters of a smart beam is carried out by employing PWAS as smart vibration control tools (sensor/actuator) that have been previously installed on the substrate structure. A finite element model is developed to mimic this intelligent beam. Then, laboratory experiments are undertaken to determine system parameters, which are used to update the finite element model. Finally, optimization is done to minimize the FEM variance in the designated structure vibration response from the real one.