Comparative Study on Vibration Characteristics of a Flexible GFRP Composite Beam Using SMA and PZT Actuators

Shape memory alloy and piezoelectric based composites are presented for investigating the vibration characteristics. In former case, GFRP beam modeled in cantilevered configuration with externally attached SMAs. In later case, GFRP beam with surface bonded PZT patches are analysed for its vibration characteristics. The experimental work is carried out for both cases in order to evaluate the vibration control of flexible beam for first mode, also to find the effectiveness of the proposed actuators and verified numerically. As a result the vibration characteristic of GFRP beam is more effective when SMA is used as an actuator.