SBIR-STTR Award

Research and developemnt of completely integrated structures with embeed sensors, actuators, signal processing and control hardware have recved increased attention in the past few years. Different electroactivmaterials are being considered as sensors and actuators. In the propod effort, we mainly consider piezoelectric ceramics. Much success haseen reported on utilization of piezoceramics for active damping and viation isolation in laboratory testbeds. However, applications in realilitary systems are not realizable at the time being due to the fact tt more robust designs are needed. To this end, a complete integrations necessary. One of the major difficulties is the issue of power. Its the purpose of the proposed effort to address the issue of powering nsors and actuators within an integrated structure. This is addressedhrough electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, wireless communicationetween sensors and actuators are considered. We are also proposing toevelop new piezoceramic based actuators to achieve larger displacementand better sensors. Finally, robust multivariable control systems wilbe considered to achieve a complete smart structure. The feasibility the proposed effort will be performed during the Phase I effort. The primary source of degradation of operational performance in many mitary and commercial machines and devices is the flexibility of the stcture and the mechanical elements used in their construction. This isndeed the case with every production machinery used in industry such aprobes, lead bonders, X-ray lithography systems, etc. The advocated pzoceramic sensors and actuators and their associated control systems m be utilized i active damping of these devices. However, it is essentl that completely integrated systems be developed as alluded to above.

Development of completely integrated structures with embedded sensors, actuators signal processing and control hardware have received increased attention in the past few years. Different electroactive materials are being considered as sensors and actuators. In the proposed effort, we mainly consider piezoceramics. Much success has been reported on utilization of piezoceramics for active damping and vibration isolation in laboratory testbeds. However, applications in real military systems such as land vehicles, helicopter rotor blades, and weapon systems are not realizable at the time being due to the fact that more robust designs are needed. To this end, a complete integration is necessary. One of the major difficulties is the issue of power. It is the purpose of the proposed effort to address the issue of powering sensors and actuators within an integrated structure. This is addressed through electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, wireless communication between sensors and actuators are considered. We are also proposing to develop new piezoceramic based actuators to achieve larger displacements and better sensors. Furthermore, an experimental testbed for vibration isolation and active damping is to be developed to show the efficacy of the advocated approach. Finally, robust multivariable control Systems are considered by development of a computer aided design package. The primary source of degradation of operational performance in many military and commercial machines and devices if the flexibility of the structure and the mechanical elements used in their construction. This is indeed the case with every production machinery used in industry such as probes, lead bonders, X-ray lithography systems, etc. The advocated integrated piezoceramic sensors and actuators and their associated control systems may be utilized in active damping of these devices. However, it is essential that completely integrated svstems be developed as alluded to above.

Keywords:
Microstrip Antennas Smart Materials Smart Structures Microwave Controlsystems Piezoceramics