Vibration Control of Structures using Piezoelectric Material

Abstract

Structural elements and systems used in spacecraft and antenna structures are flexible and light in weight. Vibration in flexible structures may produce secondary effects in it and affect the performance. Therefore, it is important to control structural response of flexible structures. This can be achieved by either Passive control or Active control. It has been found that active control of flexible structures may lead to instability, if there is an error in feedback control. In such situations passive control of flexible structures coated with thin viscoelastic material offers promise. Apart, smart materials like Piezoelectric Ceramic Powder, Magnetorheological Fluids etc. are potential alternatives. In present study cantilever structure made up of aluminum material is considered. Bare specimen is coated with Piezoelectric Ceramic Powder. Acceleration is captured using Data Acquisition System and LabVIEW through Free vibration test. Results shows piezoelectric powder coating increases damping into the system.