Finite element simulation of wireless structural vibration and shape control with photostrictive actuators

This paper focuses on the investigation of non-contact shape and vibration control of flexible structures via surface bonded photostrictive actuators. Firstly, a novel opto-electromechanical solid shell element is developed for accurate analysis of the multiphysics' effects with optical-electric-mechanical-thermal coupling. Secondly, based on the genetic algorithm and finite element analysis, a general method of non-contact shape control for beam by using PLZT photostrictive actuator is presented. Lastly, photostrictive films are numerically analyzed to evaluate their use as wireless actuators for future remote vibration control of structures. Now available experimental data and analytical solutions have been used to verify the present finite element results and the simulation in this study demonstrates that the use of photostrictive actuators can provide good controllability of structural vibration and shape.