APPLICATION OF FEA TO THE COLLOCATION OF ACTUATOR/SENSOR IN THE INTELLIGENT STRUCTURES

The piezothermoelectric actuator/sensor collocation for advanced intelligent structure is studied. The quasi-static equations of piezothermoelasticity are used to analyze the coupling effects between the displacement, temperature and electric fields of piezothermoelasticity continua and the governing equations for piezothermoelasticity continua are derived to discuss the effects of coupling factors on the control/sensing performance in intelligent structure. Based on those analyses, a finite element analysis model of distributed piezothertnoelectric continua is developed later. The thermal stress and deformation of a beam are calculated by FEA method so as to determine the optimal actuator/sensor placement. Based on the results of the optimal analysis procedure of actuator/sensor placement, some conclusions of actuator/sensor placement are obtained. Thus, the optimal actuator/sensor placement for piezothermoelectric intelligent structure can be found from the actuator/sensor placements available so that intelligent system will have the best controllability and observability.