Analysis of Free Vibration Properties of Smart Functionally Graded Porous Beam

Aim: The main purpose of this research work is to examine the free vibration performance of a Smart Functionally Graded (SFG) porous composite beam having non-uniform porosity distribution (PD) with non-linear elastic moduli and mass density along the direction of thickness considering symmetric as well as asymmetric PD. This research work addresses the lack of literature regarding the analysis and the effect of variation of the slenderness Ratio (SR), Porosity Coefficient (PC), and Voltage levels on the free vibration properties of the SFG porous beam considering different boundary conditions and porosity distribution. Background: The Smart Functionally Graded (SFG) porous beam is a Functionally Graded (FG) Porous beam integrated with the PZT-4 piezoelectric material on the top layer. The free vibration properties of the considered beam have been examined and analyzed using the ANSYS software. Objective: The objectives of this work are:- To analyze the impact of variations of voltage levels and slenderness ratios on the free vibration properties of the SFG beam. To showcase the effect of variation in the porosity coefficient on the dimensionless fundamental frequencies of the SFG considering 4 boundary conditions at different porosity distributions and voltage levels. Method: The research work studies and analyzes the performance of the SFG porous beam considering the equations of Timoshenko beam theory. To simulate the results and analyze the various effects, the ANSYS software has been utilized in this paper. Results: Experimental data demonstrates that: (1) Among all 4 boundary conditions considered in this research work, C-C has the highest natural frequency while C-F gives the lowest value of natural frequency. (2) An increase in PC causes an increase in DFF of SFG beams with PD1 whereas it decreases for beams with PD2. (3) As the SR of the beam increases, the DFF of the beams with both PD1 and PD2 decreases for both voltage levels V=20V and V=100 V. (4) The natural frequency of the SFG beam increases as the voltage level is increased from 20V to 100V. Conclusion: The free vibration of the SFG porous beam (made up of PZT-4 piezoelectric material) has been examined and analyzed using the ANSYS software. Various results were obtained from the simulation and these have been showcased in different Tables and Figures. The performance of the considered SFG porous beam has been investigated for 2 different Porosity Distributions (PD1 and PD2) by varying PC and SR. Others: This research work also analyzes the impact of variation of PC, voltage levels, and SR on the free vibration properties of the SFG beam.