Design and testing for shape control of piezoelectric structures using topology optimization

•Novel forms of response function for shape control of PZT structures using MIST.•An efficient design update algorithm via searching for iso-surface threshold level.•Experimental validation on optimum topological designs for shape control PZT plates.

This paper presents a numerical and experimental investigation into optimum topological design of morphing piezoelectric structures using a moving iso-surface threshold method. Proposed first is a novel formulation of the response function suitable for minimizing the error norm between desired and achieved shapes in the form of combined mutual strain energy densities. A design updating algorithm with an enhanced efficiency is then developed in searching for the optimum iso-surface threshold during iterations. Numerical results are presented for optimum topological material distribution for shape morphing of piezoelectric plates subjected to mechanical loading, one channel electrical voltage and a combination of both mechanical and electrical loadings. Experiments for selected optimal topological designs are conducted to validate the present response function and updating algorithm as well as the numerical results.