Multivariable Transfer Functions for a Slewing Piezoelectric Laminate Beam

Abstract

In this paper a distributed parameter model of a slewing beam system with piezoelectric actuators and sensors is considered. The system has a torque motor at a pinned (proximal) end, an endpoint motion sensor at the distal end, and patches of thin piezoelectric laminates attached to its surface. The partial differential equation of motion for this system is transformed to Laplace domain transfer functions after application of the appropriate boundary conditions. Transfer functions relating the various actuator/sensor pairs are developed. The results are shown to reduce to previously known results which are special cases of the system under consideration. Examples and experimental results are presented using a beam experiment at the US Air Force, Frank J. Seller Research Laboratory.