Influence of different embedding methods on flexural and actuation performance of piezoelectric intelligent structures

Abstract Embedding piezoelectric materials as actuators or sensors into structures to form intelligent piezoelectric structures is a research hotspot. Piezoelectric intelligent structures should not only have good sensing and actuation performance, but should also ensure mechanical performance. The influence of forming and cutting embeddings of macro fiber composites (MFC) on the flexural and actuation properties of a piezoelectric composite curved shell was studied by simulation and experiment. The flexural performance was evaluated using a three-point bending simulation and test, and the actuation performance was evaluated by simulating the actuation deformation of a curved piezoelectric cantilever beam. Compared with forming embedding, cutting embedding destroys the continuity of the fiber, resulting in a reduction in the strength of the structure. However, it exhibits good actuation performance. Simultaneously, the influence of ply direction on performance was studied.