Active control to reduce the vibration amplitude of the solar honeycomb sandwich panels with CNTRC facesheets using piezoelectric patch sensor and actuator

Abstract

Active control of solar panels with honeycomb core and carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) facesheets for smart structures using piezoelectric patch sensor and actuator to reduce the amplitude of vibration is a lack of the previous study and it is the novelty of this research. Of active control elements are piezoelectric patches which act as sensors and actuators in many systems. Their low power consumption is worth mentioning. Thus, deriving a simple and efficient model of piezoelectric patch's elastic, electrical, and elastoelectric properties would be of much significance. In the present study, first, to reduce vibrations in composite plates reinforced by carbon nanotubes, motion equations were obtained by the extended rule of mixture. Second, to simulate the equations of the system, up to 36 mode shape vectors were considered so that the stress strain behavior of the panel and extent of displacement are thoroughly evaluated. Then, to have a more acceptable analysis, the effects of external disturbances (Aerodynamic forces) and lumped mass are investigated on the stability of the system. Finally, elastoelectric effects are examined in piezoelectric patches. The results of the present research can be used for micro-vibration suppression in satellites such as solar panels, space telescopes, and interferometers and also to optimize active control panel for various applications.