Project Title:
A Design Tool for Intelligent Structures
94-1 04.03 1600 A
A Design Tool for Intelligent Structures
Abstract:
The intelligent structures technology offers extremely attractive
advantages in the design, development and operation of aerospace
structures. However accurate modeling of distributed actuators
and sensors in such structures is still a concern of prime
importance. A mathematically rigorous software package based on
the idea of multilayered kinematics of the intelligent structure,
which can serve as the basis for comparative study of shape
memory alloys and piezoelectric materials is nonexistent. The
specific objective of this proposal is to develop such a software
package and to bridge the technology gap between the highly
theoretical mathematical studies being conducted at various
educational institutions and the purely experimental studies
going on in various industrial settings. The incorporation of the
active material numerical simulation procedure into the design
stages will help optimize the design of new products and reduce
development times and costs dramatically. This optimization
procedure will enable use of shape memory alloys and the
piezoelectric components with specifically tailored properties
that will realize their full potential in each individual
application.
The software package developed herein will have tremendous
commercial applications in the areas of aerospace, mechanical and
civil engineering. In Aeronautics and Astronautics the
application of the software will be for the numerical analysis
of adaptive structures for the purposes of lift control, flutter
and divergence prevention, gust load alleviation, and vibration
damping. The software will also be used for the simulation and
analysis of active vibration isolation via smart structures which
span many disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion,
aeroelasticity, vibration and acoustics.
Key Words
Berkeley Applied Science and Engineering, Inc.
5 Third Street, Suite 530
San Francisco, CA 94103