Dynamically-Tunable Smart Composites Featuring Electro-Rheological Fluids

Mukesh V. Gandhi; Brian S. Thompson

doi:10.1117/12.963106

5 February 1990 Dynamically-Tunable Smart Composites Featuring Electro-Rheological Fluids

Mukesh V. Gandhi, Brian S. Thompson

Proceedings Volume 1170, Fiber Optic Smart Structures and Skins II; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963106
Event: OE/FIBERS '89, 1989, Boston, United States

Abstract

A new generation of revolutionary multi-functional, dynamically-tunable, intelligent, ultra-advanced composite materials featuring electro-rheological fluids is proposed herein for the active continuum vibrational-control of structural systems. This paper reports on pioneering proof-of-concept experimental investigations focused on evaluating the elastodynamic transient and also the forced response characteristics of beams fabricated in this new class of materials. The results of these investigations clearly demonstrate the ability to dramatically change the vibrational characteristics of beam-like specimens fabricated in ultra-advanced composite materials by changing the electrical field imposed on the fluid domains. In addition, experimental results are presented which characterize the elastodynamic response of a connecting rod of a slider-crank mechanism fabricated in these ultra-advanced composite materials. Again, the combined forced and parametric responses are controlled by the voltage imposed on the electro-rheological fluid domain in the structure. The capability of these materials to interface with modern solid-state electronics can be exploited by extending the fundamental phenomenological work presented herein through the successful incorporation of intelligent sensor technologies and modern control strategies in order to significantly accelerate the evolution of these novel composite materials for the military and aerospace industries.

Citation Download Citation

Mukesh V. Gandhi and Brian S. Thompson "Dynamically-Tunable Smart Composites Featuring Electro-Rheological Fluids", Proc. SPIE 1170, Fiber Optic Smart Structures and Skins II, (5 February 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963106

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