Micro-Control Actions and Location Sensitivity of Actuator Patches Laminated on Toroidal Shells

Abstract

Toroidal shell structures have been proposed for components of inflatable telescopes and space structures, etc. over the years. Thus, distributed control of toroidal shells becomes a critical issue in precision maneuver, operation, and reliability. The converse effect of piezoelectric materials has made it one of the best candidates for distributed actuators. The resultant control forces and micro-control actions induced by the distributed actuators depend on applied voltages, geometrical (e.g., spatial segmentation and shape) and material (i.e., various actuator materials) properties of the actuators. The purpose of this analysis is to study the spatial location effects of actuator placement and to evaluate the micro-control actions imposed upon toroidal shell structures. Mathematical models and governing equations of the toroidal shells laminated with distributed actuator patches are presented first, followed by formulations of distributed control forces and micro-control actions including meridional/circumferential membrane and bending control components. Spatially distributed electromechanical microscopic actuation characteristics and control effects resulting from various meridional and circumferential actions of actuator patches at various shell locations are evaluated.