Finite element analysis of the macro fiber composite actuator: macroscopic elastic and piezoelectric properties and active control thereof by means of negative capacitance shunt circuit

The finite element method (FEM) model of a piezoelectric macro fiber composite (MFC) is presented. Using a specially developed numerical model, the complete set of macroscopic values of elastic compliance and piezoelectric tensors is computed. These values are useful in numerical FEM simulations of more complex systems such as noise and vibration suppression devices or active acoustic metamaterials, where the MFC actuator can be approximated by a plate-like uniform piezoelectric material. Using this approach, a great reduction of the FEM model complexity can be achieved. The computed numerical macroscopic values of the MFC actuator are compared with MFC manufacturer's data and with data obtained using different computational methods. A demonstration of active tuning of effective elastic constants of the piezoelectric MFC actuator by means of a shunt electric circuit is presented. The effective material constants are computed using the FEM model developed. The effect of the shunt circuit capacitance on the effective anisotropic Young's moduli is analyzed in detail. A method for finding the proper shunt circuit adjustment that yields the maximum values of the MFC actuator Young's modulus is shown. Possible applications to noise and vibration suppression are discussed. (paper)