Adaptive Damping and Positioning Using Intelligent Composite Active Structures (ADPICAS)

摘要

The main objectives of this research are to design, analyze, fabricate, and test intelligent composite active structures and systems to provide simultaneous precision position and vibration suppression control capabilities for military and space structures to enhance their structural performance and reduce their fuel consumption. These simultaneous vibration suppression and precision positioning capabilities, for mission performance enhancement, are achieved by using well-integrated sensors/actuators/controllers where the host structures will be constructed mainly from composite materials that are lightweight and strong. Adaptive or intelligent structures which have the capability for sensing and responding to their environment promise a unique approach to solving numerous problems of spacecraft such as fighter jets and helicopters, smart rockets, satellites, space stations, unmanned underwater/aerial vehicles, and submarines. Intelligent sensors and actuators in combination with robust control system and composite materials as host structure are lightweight, increase structural efficiency, provide thermal stability, and monitor and respond dynamically to external stimuli. For spacecraft, these properties mean increased range, payload, and reduced fuel consumption as well as enhanced performance and reliability through internal control of the materials and host structures. The adaptive structures developed in this work can also be used for sensitive equipment and devices, e.g., aboard of aircraft and spacecraft as well as their structures to provide them with precision positioning as well as vibration suppression capabilities, and hence drastically improve their performance.