Modal analysis using segmented piezoelectric sensors

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the use of segmented piezoelectric film sensors for the modal analysis of structures. We make use of the relation between the charge generated by the piezoelectric sensors and the modal coordinates, the asymptotic behavior of the eigensolution of structures, and the concept of modal observers to extract the modal coordinates and velocities from the sensor output. We also conduct sensitivity studies in an effort to determine the optimal coverage area of the piezofilm sensor, and we investigate the effects of noise, unmodeled dynamics, and parameter errors on the accuracy of the modal coordinate and velocity extraction. We analyze implementation of piezoelements on beams as well as on plates. © 1995 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., All rights reserved.