Thermal, elastic, and feedback analyses are applied to the case of a beam with a distributed thermal actuator. The actuator is capable of producing a thermal gradient across the section of the beam. One candidate for such an actuator uses the Peltier effect, which appears in certain semiconductors. These devices act as heat pumps when a voltage is applied, causing a temperature gradient. It is shown that the thermal gradients can induce deflection in the beam. If the thermal gradients are applied in the proper sense to a vibrating beam, it is possible to increase the vibration damping exhibited by the structure. Experimental results are given for a cantilever beam, whose first vibrational mode damping ratio was increased from 0.81 to 7.4 percent with simple lead compensation.


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    Title :

    Control of flexible structures by applied thermal gradients


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1987-06-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English