Beam Finite Elements for Rotating Piezoelectric Fiber Composite Structures

Abstract

Piezoelectric fiber composites with their dynamic characteristics, tailorable anisotropic properties, and high degree of integration provide excellent prospects for the structural actuation task. A potential application of beam-like structures with such a material system are helicopter rotor blades. By means of aeroelastic couplings, the blade dynamics may be influenced by torsional actuation to reduce vibrations and noise. To investigate the possibilities of the diverse actuation concepts for rotating beams with thin-walled closed cross sections, a finite element formulation is derived and the results are validated with the aid of the analytic solution to the static problem and a commercial finite element code.