Numerical and Experimental Dynamic Analyses via Smart Composites

This paper consists of evaluating a methodology based on a representative volume element and finite element analyses, using numerical and experimental modal analyses via smart composites. Vibration tests and finite element models are developed for aluminium cantilever beam with and without piezoelectric patches. The effective properties of the smart composites are calculated by applying the proposed methodology. Numerical predictions and experimental results are compared, showing that the relative differences between these dynamic analyses via piezoelectric patches are within 2.0%. The dynamic behaviour of the structure can be reasonably changed for a variation in the effective coefficients of the piezoelectric patches.