ANALYSIS OF VIBRATION CONTROL IN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS USING PIEZOELECTRIC SMART MATERIALS

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of the vibration characteristics of aluminium beams enhanced with anisotropic layers and integrated piezoelectric PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) patches for improved dynamic performance. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out using ANSYS APDL 2024 R1 to evaluate natural frequencies, mode shapes, and dynamic responses under various boundary conditions. Several beam configurations are examined to quantify the effects of stiffness variation, anisotropic layer orientation, and end constraints on modal behaviour. The results indicate that increased structural rigidity and more restrictive boundary conditions significantly raise natural frequencies and reduce vibration sensitivity. Active vibration control is achieved by applying differential voltages to the PVDF patches, generating counteracting piezoelectric forces that suppress structural oscillations. Comparative analyses demonstrate a substantial reduction in peak vibration amplitudes when piezoelectric actuation is enabled. Harmonic response simulations further confirm effective vibration attenuation over a wide excitation frequency range, highlighting the robustness of the smart beam system under fluctuating dynamic loads.