Embedded Actuation and Processing in Intelligent Materials

This presentation describes some of the work recently performed at the Space Engineering Research Center in an area which has come to be known as intelligent materials, i. e. , materials integrated with highly distributed actuators, sensors, and processing networks. In this work, models are derived of the actuation of composite structures by generic induced strain mechanisms, and the predicted bending and twisting of plates thus achieved is compared to experimental results using piezoceramics bonded to graphite/epoxy laminates. Some fundamental criteria for the selection of an induced strain actuator are discussed, followed by the presentation of a manufacturing technique for embedding piezoceramic actuators within the composite structures. Finally, similar work involving the embedding of electronic devices (eventually to include microprocessors) is presented.