Topology optimization of piezoelectric sensors/actuators for torsional vibration control of composite plates

Torsional vibration control can be crucial for applications of smart materials and structures. In this paper, the problem of topology optimization of collocated piezoelectric sensor/actuator (S/A) pairs for torsional vibration control of a laminated composite plate is directly addressed. Both isotropic and anisotropic PZT S/A pairs are considered and it is highlighted that the torsional vibration can be more effectively damped out by employing the topological optimal design of the S/A pairs than by using the conventional designs. To implement this topology optimization, a genetic algorithm (GA) based on a bit-array representation method is presented and a finite element (FE) simulation model based on the first-order shear theory and an output feedback control law is adopted. Numerical experiments are used to verify the present algorithm and show that the present optimal topology design can achieve significantly better active damping effect than the one using a continuously distributed PZT S/A pair, which was often adopted by many other researchers. Together with the progress in laser cutting and micromachining techniques, topology optimization of piezoelectric sensors and/or actuators would be promising in active vibration control of smart structures.