Low Profile Piezoceramic Actuators For Smart Structures

摘要

The concept of smart structures is based on intelligent constitutive materials giving the means to react on external stimulation by changing local mechanical properties. The market needs a high degree of integration of all components: sensors, actuators and electronic. Progress has been attained due to ongoing R AND D activities. Recently the German Aerospace Center, DLR, Braunschweig has developed a flexible and reliable PZT wafer based design. Progress is also seen in the commercialization of fiber composites. For example, Smart Material Corp. is manufacturing the Macro Fiber Composites, licensed by NASA in a full-scale production. Fraunhofer IKTS has found a new approach for custom shape fiber composites. The paper is giving an update on availability and developments of low profile piezoelectric sensors and actuators.