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Analytical and experimental investigation of flutter suppression by piezoelectric actuationThe objective of this research was to analytically and experimentally study the capabilities of piezoelectric plate actuators for suppressing flutter. Piezoelectric materials are characterized by their ability to produce voltage when subjected to a mechanical strain. The converse piezoelectric effect can be utilized to actuate a structure by applying a voltage. For this investigation, a two-degree-of-freedom wind tunnel model was designed, analyzed, and tested. The model consisted of a rigid wing and a flexible mount system that permitted a translational and a rotational degree of freedom. The model was designed such that flutter was encountered within the testing envelope of the wind tunnel. Actuators made of piezoelectric material were affixed to leaf springs of the mount system. Command signals, applied to the piezoelectric actuators, exerted control over the damping and stiffness properties. A mathematical aeroservoelastic model was constructed by using finite element methods, laminated plate theory, and aeroelastic analysis tools. Plant characteristics were determined from this model and verified by open loop experimental tests. A flutter suppression control law was designed and implemented on a digital control computer. Closed loop flutter testing was conducted. The experimental results represent the first time that adaptive materials have been used to actively suppress flutter. They demonstrate that small, carefully placed actuating plates can be used effectively to control aeroelastic response.
Document ID
19930011395
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Publication (TP)
Authors
Heeg, Jennifer
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1993
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TP-3241
L-17024
NAS 1.60:3241
Accession Number
93N20584
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-63-50-15
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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