An Impedance-Based System Modeling Approach for Induced Strain Actuator-Driven Structures

This paper presents the theoretical development and experimental verification of a system model of piezoelectric (PZT) patch actuators for induced strain actuation of two-dimensional active structures. The model includes the dynamic interaction between PZT actuators and their host structures. Analytical solutions of the output behavior of the PZT actuators have been developed based upon the actuator input impedance and the mechanical impedance of the host structures. The impedancebased model was then applied to thin plates and thin shells, and to beams. The case studies demonstrate the generality and utility of the impedance modeling approach. A simply-supported thin plate with surface-bonded PZT patches was built and tested so that the ability of the impedance model to accurately predict the dynamic performance of the actuator and the host structure has been verified. When compared with conventional static models, the impedance modeling method offers insight into the dynamic coupling of the integrated PZT/substrate systems.