Computational Methods for a Curved Beam with Piezoceramic Patches

Abstract

We develop a computational scheme to approximate the solutions of a mathematical model that describes the vibrations of a curved beam structure. The physical model also includes pairs of piezoceramic patches that can be viewed either as passive devices, changing only the structural properties of the beam, or as active devices used to control vibrations of the beam. As part of our numerical experiments, we compare schemes with a method that employs hybrid B-spline basis elements and a method that employs just one family of B-spline basis elements. We calculate the first four fundamental frequencies and mode shapes of the structure, and we simulate patch-activated vibrations. Finally, we devote a section to investigation of locking phenomena which have been reported for some shell problems.