Finite Element Modeling of MFC/AFC Actuators and Performance of MFC

Abstract

The anisoparametric three-node MIN6 shallow shell element is extended for modeling Macro-Fiber Composite/Active Fiber Composites (MFCTM/AFC) actuators for active vibration and acoustic control of curved and flat panels. The recently developed MFCTM/AFC actuators exhibit enhanced performance, they are anisotropic and highly conformable as compared to the traditional monolithic isotropic piezoceramic actuators. The extended MIN6 shell element includes embedded or surface bonded MFCTM/AFC laminae. The fully coupled electrical-structural formulation is general and it is able to handle arbitrary doubly curved laminated composite and isotropic shell structures. A square and a triangular cantilever isotropic plates are modeled using the MIN6 elements to demonstrate the anisotropic actuation of a surface bonded MFCTMactuator for coupled bending and twisting plate motions. Steady state modal bending and twisting amplitudes of the cantilever square and triangular plates with MFCTMactuator are compared with the plate’s steady state modal amplitudes with traditional PZT 5A actuator for different angle orientations. Frequency Response Functions (FRF) for the square plate with MFCTMand PZT 5A actuators are also obtained and their actuation performance is compared. The actuation performance of the MFCTMat different locations is also investigated.