Effect of shape memory alloy actuation on the dynamic response of polymeric composite plates

Dynamic properties such as the natural frequency of a structure have a significant role in the design process. The importance of this consideration is because of resonance. In this case, the amplitude of the vibration is magnified to levels that may lead to a catastrophic event. While the usual design process depends on the collected experiences and statistical data, a developing trend is to implement smart technologies to develop smart structures that are capable of self-monitoring, diagnostics and repair. Smart material components such as shape memory alloys (SMAs) and piezoelectric ceramics are increasingly being used by vibration control practitioners. In this paper, the alteration of the natural frequency of composite structures using nitinol-based shape memory alloy wires will be presented using the analyses of strain energy perturbations on a plate. These governing strain equations will be solved analytically and numerically to show the effect of point forces acting in a distributive manner and the subsequent effect it has on the plate’s stiffness and hence it’s natural frequency. Different SMA configurations placement will be studied and compared to computational and experimental findings in order to optimize the control strategy.