Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Evaluation and control of vibration in smart composites with delamination

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology
2 Assistant Professor, Departmnt of Mechanical Engineering
3 Professor(Retd.), Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, CUSAT
4 Scientist, Indian Space Research Organization
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive investigation into vibration suppression of delaminated smart composite beams integrated with surface-bonded piezoelectric (PZT) actuators. A finite element framework utilizing ANSYS APDL was employed to model the modal, harmonic, and transient responses of cantilever beams under varying delamination conditions and control strategies. Closed-loop feedback vibration control with displacement signals was implemented through proportional–integral–derivative (PID) schemes, and the effects of individual control gains (Kp, Ki, Kd) were systematically examined. The results indicate that while proportional feedback control significantly improves damping and reduces rise time by over 40%, the integral and derivative components contribute minimal additional benefits. Modal analysis confirmed the optimum actuator voltages for vibration suppression, with double-patch PZT configurations demonstrating approximately 30% lower control voltage compared to single-patch arrangements, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. Transient analyses further revealed up to 85% reduction in steady-state vibration amplitude in delaminated laminates, affirming the efficacy of displacement feedback control. Overall, the findings establish proportional control in combination with optimally placed PZT patches as a practical, energy-efficient, and robust solution for active vibration mitigation in smart composite beams, even in the presence of structural delamination.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 September 2026