Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Wind Turbine Blade of Piezoelectric Plate Shell

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of vibration control technology of wind turbine blades made of piezoelectric intelligent structures. The design of the blade structure, which is made from piezoelectric material, is approximately equivalent to a flat shell structure. The differential equations of piezoelectric shallow shells for vibration control are derived based on piezoelectric laminated shell theory. On this basis, wind turbine blades are simplified as elastic piezoelectric laminated shells. We establish the electromechanical coupling system dynamic model of intelligent structures and the dynamic equation of composite piezoelectric flat shell structures by analyzing simulations of active vibration control. Simulation results show that, under wind load, blade vibration is reduced upon applying the control voltage.     

Vibration isolation via a scissor-like structured platform

More and more attentions are attracted to the analysis and design of nonlinear vibration control/isolation systems for better isolation performance. In this study, an isolation platform with n-layer scissor-like truss structure is investigated to explore novel design of passive/semi-active/active vibration control/isolation systems and to exploit potential nonlinear benefits in vibration suppression. Due to the special scissor-like structure, the dynamic response of the platform has inherent nonlinearities both in equivalent damping and stiffness characteristics (although only linear components are applied), and demonstrates good loading capacity and excellent equilibrium stability. With the mathematical modeling and analysis of the equivalent stiffness and damping of the system, it is shown that: (a) the structural nonlinearity in the system is very helpful in vibration isolation, (b) both equivalent stiffness and damping characteristics are nonlinear and could be designed/adjusted to a desired nonlinearity by tuning structural parameters, and (c) superior vibration isolation performances (e.g., quasi-zero stiffness characteristics etc.) can be achieved with different structural parameters. This scissor-like truss structure can potentially be employed in different engineering practices for much better vibration isolation or control.     

A chiral elastic metamaterial beam for broadband vibration suppression

One of the significant engineering applications of the elastic metamaterial (EMM) is for low-frequency vibration attenuation because of its unusual low-frequency bandgap behavior. However, the forbidden gap from many existing EMMs is usually of narrow bandwidth which limits their practical engineering applications. In this paper, a chiral-lattice-based EMM beam with multiple embedded local resonators is suggested to achieve broadband vibration suppression without sacrificing its load-bearing capacity. First, a theoretical beam modeling is suggested to investigate bandgap behavior of an EMM beam with multiple resonators. New passbands due to dynamic interaction between resonators are unpleasantly formed, which become a design barrier for completely broadband vibration suppression. Through vibration attenuation factor analysis of the resonator, an EMM beam with section-distributed resonators is proposed to enable broadband vibration attenuation function. Required unit number of the resonator in each section is quantitatively determined for complete vibration attenuation in a specific frequency range. Finally, the chiral-lattice-based EMM beam is fabricated, and experimental testing of the proposed structure is conducted to validate the design.     

X形超阻尼局域共振声子晶体梁弯曲振动带隙特性

以声子晶体理论为基础,设计了一种具有超阻尼特性的X形局域共振结构,分析了周期性附加X形局域共振的梁弯曲振动传播特性.利用拉格朗日方程分析了X形局域共振结构动力学等效特性,揭示了该结构的阻尼放大的机理,分析了几何结构参数对于带隙特性的影响,并利用有限元法验证了X形局域共振结构的超阻尼特性.研究结果表明,周期性附加X形局域结构能够有效地抑制低频弯曲振动在梁中的传播,产生超阻尼特性,实现低频、宽带的减振效果,为结构的低频减振提供了一个新的设计方案.     

Suppression of random vibration in flexible structures using a hybrid vibration absorber

A design method is proposed to suppress stationary random vibration in flexible structures using a hybrid vibration absorber (HVA). While the traditional vibration absorber can damp down the vibration mainly at the pre-tuned mode of the primary structure, active damping is generated by the proposed HVA to damp down all resonant modes of interest of the vibrating structure and the spatial average mean square motion of the vibrating structure can be minimized. Only one absorber and one feedback signal are required to achieve global vibration suppression of a flexible structure under stationary random excitation. A special pole-placement controller is designed such that all vibration modes of the flexible structures become critically damped. It is proved analytically that the proposed HVA damps the vibration of the entire structure instead of just the attachment point of the absorber. The proposed optimized HVA is tested on a beam structure and it shows a superior performance on global suppression of broadband vibration in comparison to other published designs of passive and hybrid vibration absorbers.     

Reduction of vibration and noise radiation of an underwater vehicle due to propeller forces using periodically layered isolators

Using periodic structure theory, the suppression of vibration and noise radiation from an underwater vehicle due to excitation from propeller forces is investigated. The underwater vehicle is modelled in two parts (the hull and the propeller/shafting system). A model of the propeller/shafting system is constructed using a modular approach and considers the propeller, shaft, thrust bearing, isolation structure and foundation. Different forms of isolator are considered – a simple spring-damper system, a continuous rod and a periodically layered structure. The dynamic properties of the underwater vehicle and the isolation performances of various isolators are compared and analysed. The stop band properties of the periodic isolator are used to enhance the passive control performance. Furthermore, an integrated isolation device is proposed that consists of the periodic isolator and a dynamic absorber, and its isolation performance is investigated. The effects of the absorber parameters on the performance of the integrated device are also analysed. Finally, the radiated sound pressure is calculated to verify the attenuation. The numerical results show that the vibration and noise radiation are greatly attenuated in the stop bands. By optimising the design of the periodic isolators and its integrated structures, the suppression of the vibration and noise radiation can be improved effectively.     

Partial pole placement in structures by the method of receptances: Theory and experiments

The theory and practical application of the receptance method for vibration suppression in structures by multi-input partial pole placement is described. Numerous advantages of the receptance method over conventional matrix methods such as state-space control based on finite elements have been demonstrated, in particular there is no need to know or to evaluate the structural matrices M, C, K and in practical experimentation the measurement of ‘receptance’ may be generalised so that explicit modelling of actuator dynamics becomes unnecessary. Active vibration control is demonstrated experimentally using two test rigs. In the first set of experiments partial pole placement is applied to a lightweight glass-fibre beam using macro fibre composite (MFC) actuators and sensors. In the second set of experiments active vibration control is implemented on a heavy modular test structure representative of systems of differing dynamic complexity using electromagnetic actuators and piezoelectric (ICP) accelerometers. It is demonstrated that chosen poles may be assigned to predetermined values without affecting the position of other poles of interest.     

Modeling, design and analysis of low frequency platform for attenuating micro-vibration in spacecraft

One of the most important factors that affect the pointing of precision payloads and devices in space platforms is the vibration generated due to static and dynamic unbalanced forces of rotary equipments placed in the neighborhood of payload. Generally, such disturbances are of low amplitude, less than 1 kHz, and are termed as ‘micro-vibrations’. Due to low damping in the space structure, these vibrations have long decay time and they degrade the performance of payload. This paper addresses the design, modeling and analysis of a low frequency space frame platform for passive and active attenuation of micro-vibrations. This flexible platform has been designed to act as a mount for devices like reaction wheels, and consists of four folded continuous beams arranged in three dimensions. Frequency and response analysis have been carried out by varying the number of folds, and thickness of vertical beam. Results show that lower frequencies can be achieved by increasing the number of folds and by decreasing the thickness of the blade. In addition, active vibration control is studied by incorporating piezoelectric actuators and sensors in the dynamic model. It is shown using simulation that a control strategy using optimal control is effective for vibration suppression under a wide variety of loading conditions.     

Optimization of a hybrid vibration absorber for vibration control of structures under random force excitation

A recently reported design of a hybrid vibration absorber (HVA) which is optimized to suppress resonant vibration of a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system is re-optimized for suppressing wide frequency band vibration of the SDOF system under stationary random force excitation. The proposed HVA makes use of the feedback signals from the displacement and velocity of the absorber mass for minimizing the vibration response of the dynamic structure based on the H₂ optimization criterion. The objective of the optimal design is to minimize the mean square vibration amplitude of a dynamic structure under a wideband excitation, i.e., the total area under the vibration response spectrum is minimized in this criterion. One of the inherent limitations of the traditional passive vibration absorber is that its vibration suppression is low if the mass ratio between the absorber mass and the mass of the primary structure is low. The active element of the proposed HVA helps further reduce the vibration of the controlled structure and it can provide significant vibration absorption performance even at a low mass ratio. Both the passive and active elements are optimized together for the minimization of the mean square vibration amplitude of the primary system. The proposed HVA are tested on a SDOF system and continuous vibrating structures with comparisons to the traditional passive vibration absorber.     

Integrated design of piezoelectric damping system for flexible structure

This paper aims at developing an integrated design method of the active/passive hybrid type of piezoelectric damping system for reducing the dynamic response of the flexible structures due to external dynamic loads. The design method is based on the numerical optimization technique whose objective function is a control effort of the active damping. A vibration suppression performance, which is evaluated by the maximum value of the gain of the frequency response function of the structure, is constrained. In order to demonstrate the structural damping capability of the hybrid type of piezoelectric damping system designed by proposed method, numerical simulation and laboratory experiment will be done using a three-story flexible structure model equipped with 12 surface bonded PZT tiles pairs. Both numerical and experimental results indicate that the optimally designed hybrid piezoelectric damping system can be successfully achieving excellent performance as compared to a conventional purely active piezoelectric damping system.     

Vibration suppression control of smart piezoelectric rotating truss structure by parallel neuro-fuzzy control with genetic algorithm tuning

The main goal of this paper is to develop a novel approach for vibration control on a piezoelectric rotating truss structure. This study will analyze the dynamics and control of a flexible structure system with multiple degrees of freedom, represented in this research as a clamped–free–free–free truss type plate rotated by motors. The controller has two separate feedback loops for tracking and damping, and the vibration suppression controller is independent of position tracking control. In addition to stabilizing the actual system, the proposed proportional–derivative (PD) control, based on genetic algorithm (GA) to seek the primary optimal control gain, must supplement a fuzzy control law to ensure a stable nonlinear system. This is done by using an intelligent fuzzy controller based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with GA tuning to increase the efficiency of fuzzy control. The PD controller, in its assisting role, easily stabilized the linear system. The fuzzy controller rule base was then constructed based on PD performance-related knowledge. Experimental validation for such a structure demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The broad range of problems discussed in this research will be found useful in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering, for flexible structures with multiple degree-of-freedom motion.     

Vibration suppression of a cantilever beam using magnetically tuned-mass-damper

Eddy currents are induced by the movement of a conductor through a stationary magnetic field or a time varying magnetic field through a stationary conductor. These currents circulate in the conductive material and are dissipated, causing a repulsive force between the magnet and the conductor. These electromagnetic forces can be used to suppress the vibrations of a flexible structure. A tuned mass damper is a device mounted in structures to reduce the amplitude of mechanical vibrations and is one of the effective vibration suppression methods. In the present study, an improved concept of this tuned mass damper for the vibration suppression of structures is introduced. This concept consists of the classical tuned mass damper and an eddy current damping. The important advantages of this magnetically tuned mass damper are that it is relatively simple to apply, it does not require any electronic devices and external power, and it is effective on the vibration suppression. The proposed concept is designed for a cantilever beam and the analytical studies on the eddy current damping and its effects on the vibration suppression. To show the effectiveness of the proposed concept and verify the eddy current damping model, experiments on a cantilever beam are performed. It is found that the proposed concept could significantly increase the damping effect of the tuned mass damper even if not adequately tuned.     

Experimental and numerical study on long-span reticulate structure with multidimensional high-damping earthquake isolation devices

Multidimensional high-damping earthquake isolation device (MHEID) for long-span reticulate structure is an innovative passive vibration control device. In this paper, the results of horizontal and vertical property tests are presented first and then effects of excitation frequency, displacement on MHEID are studied. In order to consider the effects of excitation frequency, displacement amplitude and temperature on MHEID, a new mathematical model, i.e., fractional-derivative equivalent standard solid model, is put forward to describe the dynamic properties of MHEID precisely in both horizontal and vertical directions. Then, horizontal and vertical pseudo-dynamic tests on structures with and without MHEID are conducted. It can be seen from the experimental results that MHEID can obviously reduce the displacement responses, acceleration responses and input forces of the long-span reticulate structure. In order to analyze the earthquake isolation effect of MHEID on long-span reticulate structures, the dynamic responses are simulated by using a new dynamic response analysis method. The numerical results fit well with the experimental results and it is indicated that the proposed method can simulate the dynamic responses of the long-span reticulate structure.     

MODELLING DYNAMICS OF A CONTINUOUS STRUCTURE WITH A PIEZOELECTRIC SENSORACTUATOR FOR PASSIVE STRUCTURAL CONTROL

This paper presents the concept of a vibration control system in which motions of a continuous structure with piezoelectric sensors/actuators can be suppressed (or activated) through transforming mechanical energy to electrical one and vice versa. The study is focused on distributed parameter structures, in which electromechanical variables are spatially dependent, and therefore traditional methods of design of piezoelectric transformers do not apply. In this case, a different approach is necessary to account for the spatial dependency of the variables. To examine the feasibility of the proposed vibration control system, we have performed the vibration suppression analysis of the cantilevered beam with piezoelectric sensors/actuators subjected to an exciting force/moment(s). The experimental results indicate that the damping of the composite system increases by 8-10 times in comparison with the mechanical system.As a result, the paper significantly expands the concept of passive damping mechanism for structural systems to take into account the dynamics of a continuous elastic structure piezoelectrically coupled to electrical network.     

The forced vibration of one-dimensional multi-coupled periodic structures: An application to finite element analysis

A general theory for the forced vibration of multi-coupled one-dimensional periodic structures is presented as a sequel to a much earlier general theory for free vibration. Starting from the dynamic stiffness matrix of a single multi-coupled periodic element, it derives matrix equations for the magnitudes of the characteristic free waves excited in the whole structure by prescribed harmonic forces and/or displacements acting at a single periodic junction. The semi-infinite periodic system excited at its end is first analysed to provide the basis for analysing doubly infinite and finite periodic systems. In each case, total responses are found by considering just one periodic element. An already-known method of reducing the size of the computational problem is reexamined, expanded and extended in detail, involving reduction of the dynamic stiffness matrix of the periodic element through a wave-coordinate transformation. Use of the theory is illustrated in a combined periodic structure+finite element analysis of the forced harmonic in-plane motion of a uniform flat plate. Excellent agreement between the computed low-frequency responses and those predicted by simple engineering theories validates the detailed formulations of the paper. The primary purpose of the paper is not towards a specific application but to present a systematic and coherent forced vibration theory, carefully linked with the existing free-wave theory.     

Disturbance rejection control for vibration suppression of piezoelectric laminated thin-walled structures

Thin-walled piezoelectric integrated smart structures are easily excited to vibrate by unknown disturbances. In order to design and simulate a control strategy, firstly, an electro-mechanically coupled dynamic finite element (FE) model of smart structures is developed based on first-order shear deformation (FOSD) hypothesis. Linear piezoelectric constitutive equations and the assumption of constant electric field through the thickness are considered. Based on the dynamic FE model, a disturbance rejection (DR) control with proportional-integral (PI) observer using step functions as the fictitious model of disturbances is developed for vibration suppression of smart structures. In order to achieve a better dynamic behavior of the fictitious model of disturbances, the PI observer is extended to generalized proportional-integral (GPI) observer, in which sine or polynomial functions can be used to represent disturbances resulting in better dynamics. Therefore the disturbances can be estimated either by PI or GPI observer, and then the estimated signals are fed back to the controller. The DR control is validated by various kinds of unknown disturbances, and compared with linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) control. The results illustrate that the vibrations are better suppressed by the proposed DR control.     

A generalised mathematical model and analysis for integrated multi-channel vibration structure-control interaction systems

A generalised mathematical model and analysis for integrated multi-channel vibration control-structure interaction systems are developed. The governing equations describing the interactions between a generalised elastic structure and a multi-channel electromagnetic excitation and control system are derived. Based on these equations, the stability and dynamic response of the system are analysed. The introduction of an additional dynamic impedance matrix between structure and control system allows vibration structure-control interaction mechanisms to be investigated. The generalised theory provides a basis to measure exactly the dynamic parameters of the structure negating any influence of the excitation and control system. It also allows the design of a more effective control system taking into account the interactions of the control system with structural motions and vice versa. To illustrate the general formulations developed and their applications, simple one- and two-channel systems are investigated using non-dimensional parameters.     

A simplified nonlinear dynamic model for the analysis of pipe structures with bolted flange joints

Bolted flange joints are widely used in engineering structures; however, the dynamic behavior of this connection is complex in nature. In this paper, a simplified nonlinear dynamic model with bi-linear springs is proposed and validated for pipe structures with bolted flange joints. First, static mechanical properties of the bolted flange joint are investigated. The analytical solution reveals that the axial stiffness of the bolted flange joint is different in tension and compression. Then, nonlinear springs with different stiffness in tension and compression are employed to represent the bolted flange joint. A special type of dynamic behavior, coupling vibration in the transverse and longitudinal directions, is observed in analytical derivation. Finally, relevant physical experiments and numerical simulations are performed. The physical experiments confirm the existence of the coupling vibration behavior. The relationship of longitudinal and transverse vibration frequencies is discussed. The numerical solutions reveal that the simplified nonlinear dynamic model better fits the physical response than conventional reduced linear beam model.     

A new periodic structure composite material with quasi-phononic crystals

Phononic crystals (PCs) provide a new method for vibration insulation and noise reduction. PCs commonly have small bandgap width, and understanding how to expand this bandgap, including the ultra-low band gap, is crucial for applying PCs to vibration reduction in engineering structures. A new periodic structure composite material quasi-PCs is proposed and the high polymer concrete with quasi-PCs structure is conducted. Vibration measurements for the new periodic structure composite material demonstrate that quasi-PC behavior can open the ultra-low frequency band gap. The new periodic structure composite material can be used to reduce vibrations in engineering field.     

Adaptive-passive vibration isolation between nonrigid machines and nonrigid foundations using a dual-beam periodic structure with shape memory alloy transverse connection

This paper examines the problem of broadband vibration control of nonrigid systems employing periodic structures with tunable parameters. It investigates this by using a semi-two-dimensional model that applies a dual-beam periodic structure with transverse branches as a parameter-tunable isolator. Conventional study of vibration control problems, including the problem of vibration control by periodic structures, usually reduces systems to equivalent single- or multi-mount models with only a unidirectional translation at a mounting point. This assumption of decoupling leads to the erroneous prediction of vibratory power transmission when designing an isolator for a nonrigid system. Such a periodic structure involves the coupling of vibrations between different mounting points and different directions of motion and is therefore a reasonable simulation of the real-life problem. However, its application as a periodic isolator has not been proposed previously. The configuration of shape memory alloy (SMA) branches and non-SMA dual beams is proposed in order that this structure can effectively exploit the advantages of SMA materials, namely their significantly varying Young?s moduli which can be tuned to adjust and widen the stop bands, and can prevent the associated limitation of hysteresis. Equations are derived governing the vibration transmitted through any number of periodic mounts between nonrigid machines and foundations. Based on the derived results, two methodologies are developed to determine the proper Young?s moduli of the SMA branches and minimize the transmitted power. The numerical results demonstrate that the adaptive SMA branches at the proper temperatures are able to attenuate broadband vibration by adjusting the locations and broadening the widths of stop bands. With the application of a semi-two-dimensional periodic structure to broadband vibration isolation, this paper provides an approach and supporting methodologies for broadband vibration control using periodic structures.