Author(s)

M. Martinez, A. Artemev, F. Nitzsche & B. Geddes

Abstract

A finite element method (FEM) study of the actuation and sensing performance of actuated fibre composites (AFC) is presented. The effect of non-continuous fibres on the AFC performance was analyzed for actuation and sensing applications. The results of the FEM analysis of AFC with non-continuous fibres are compared to experimental results obtained in specimens with fibres damaged by large deformation. A study of the change in the polarization state in the fibre, resulting from the formation of a gap, was performed and its results were incorporated into the FEM. The correlation between the available experimental data and simulation results is discussed. Keywords: PZTs, actuated fibre composites, AFCs, piezoelectric fibres, sensors, smart rotor. 1 Introduction Modern military and civilian aircraft structures require the use of monitoring systems to identify and predict the health of critical components within the aircraft. Health Prognostic Monitoring (HPM) is in the process of being introduced to modern aircraft structures. This concept will allow the aircraft to determine if the life of a critical component is coming to an end, and have the overall system schedule the time and place for the component to be repaired/replaced. Sensors are required to acquire the current state of strain, temperature or other parameters of concern in specific areas of the aircraft, which is a critical part of HPM. Several sensors show promise for these

Keywords

PZTs, actuated fibre composites, AFCs, piezoelectric fibres, sensors, smart rotor.