Displacement control of Timoshenko beams via induced strain actuators

In this study, analytical solutions for the length and position of strain-induced patch actuators for the static adjustments of beam deflections an presented. To obtain precise deflection control, the Timoshenko beam theory has been adopted. The analytical solutions are derived conveniently by making use of exact relationships between the bending solutions of the Timoshenko beam theory and corresponding quantities of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Examples of point deflection control for shear deformable beams subject to various loads are presented to illustrate the use of the analytical solutions derived. The significance of the contribution of transverse shear deformation effects on the control of beam deflection is discussed.