Abstract

In the presented research the dynamics of a thin rotating composite beam
with surface bonded MFC actuator are considered. A parametric analysis aimed at finding the
most efficient location of the actuator on the beam is presented. Gyroscopic effects resulting in
the beam’s initial strain and therefore non-zero voltage in PZT are taken into account. Within
the frame of the study maximising the system's response observed in vibration modes for
uncoupled and coupled motions is examined. The results are compared to the case of a
nonrotating beam and also to the maximum response of the beam with the actuator placed at
different positions. To perform the analysis an ABAQUS finite element model of an electromechanical
system under consideration is developed. The multi-layer composite beam
structure is modelled by shell elements according to a layup-ply technique; the MFC actuator is
modelled by 3D coupled field piezoelectric elements. Both modal analysis and frequency
response spectra are performed to obtain the structural modal parameters and response
amplitude, respectively. The analysis is repeated for three different orientations of the beam's
cross-section with respect to the plane of rotation (i.e. arbitrary assumed pitch angles); in all
cases the condition constant angular speed is preserved. This work is fundamental for
continuing the research for control of dynamics of rotating composite beams with active
elements.