Macro-Fiber Composites for Sensing, Actuation and Power Generation

The research presented in this thesis uses the macro-fiber composite (MFC) actuator that was recently developed at the NASA Langley Research Center for two major themes, sensing and actuation for vibration control, and power harvesting. The MFC is constructed using piezofibers embedded in an epoxy matrix and coated with Kapton skin. The construction process of the MFC affords it vast advantages over the traditionally used piezoceramic material. The MFC is extremely flexible, allowing it to be bonded to structures that have curved surface without fear of accidental breakage or additional surface treatment as is the case with monolithic piezoceramic materials. Additionally the MFC uses interdigitated electrodes that capitalize on the higher d33 piezoelectric coupling coefficient, allowing it to produce higher forces and strain than typical monolithic piezoceramic materials. The research presented in this thesis investigates some potential applications for the MFC as well as additional topics in power harvesting. This first study performed was to determine if the MFC is capable of being used as a sensor for structural vibration. The MFC was incorporated into a self-sensing circuit and used to provide collocated control of an aluminum beam. It was found that the MFC makes a very accurate sensor and was able to provide the beam with over 80% vibration suppression at its second resonant frequency. Following this work, the MFC was used as both a sensor and actuator to apply multiple-input-multiple-output vibration control of an inflated satellite component. The control system used a positive position feedback (PPF) controller and two pairs of sensors and actuators in order to provide global vibration suppression of an inflated torus. The experiments

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