Shape control of curved beams using piezoelectric actuators

In this work, the shape control of curved beams using symmetric surface bonded piezoelectric actuators, excited out of phase, is studied. To predict the deflections accurately, a finite element model using a three-noded isoparametric curved beam element has been implemented. To model the piezoelectric layers, coupled finite element equations have been used and solved using iterative approach. Closed form expression for deflection has also been derived and compared with FEM and experimental results. The closed form solution based on linear strain variation is used for the static shape control of curved beams. Shape control is achieved by minimizing an objective function, which takes into account the error between actual and desired shapes as well as energy consumed by the actuators.