Active fiber composite material systems for structural control applications

Aaron A. Bent

doi:10.1117/12.351553

9 July 1999 Active fiber composite material systems for structural control applications

Aaron A. Bent

Proceedings Volume 3674, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.351553
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Active Fiber Composites (AFCs) provide a novel method for large scale actuation and sensing in active structures. The composite comprises unidirectionally aligned piezoelectric fibers, a resin matrix system, and interdigital electrode. AFCs have demonstrated distinct advantages over current monolithic piezoceramic actuators, including: higher planar actuation strains, tailorable orthotropic actuation, robustness to damage, conformability to curved surfaces, and potential for large area distributed actuation/sensing systems. The Active Fiber Composite Consortium (AFCC) consists of six organizations: piezoelectric material supplier, composite manufacturers, device packages, technology development, and several end-user application groups. The objective of the AFCC is to develop and demonstrate AFC materials for insertion into both military and commercial applications. These objectives are being achieved through 1) a consortium program in low cost manufacturing using innovative manufacturing techniques and economy of scale, 2) targeting specific military and commercial applications which could benefit substantially from successful AFC integration. This manuscript highlights recent activity in the AFCC, describing approaches to manufacturing of the fiber and composite system, advancements in the materials and characterization for improved performance, and an overview of the applications under development.

Citation Download Citation

Aaron A. Bent "Active fiber composite material systems for structural control applications", Proc. SPIE 3674, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (9 July 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.351553

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available