Active Fiber Composite material systems for structural control applications

Active Fiber Composites (AFCs) provide a novel method for large scale actuation and sensing in active structures. composite comprises unidirectionally aligned piezoelectric fibers, a resin matrix system, and interdigital electrode. AFCs have demonstrated distinct advantages over current monolithic piezoceramic actuators, including: higher planar actuation strains, tailorable orthotropic actuation, robustness to damage, conformability to curved surfaces, and potential for large area distributed actuation/sensing systems. The Active Fiber Composite Consortium (AFCC) consists of six organizations: piezoelectric material supplier (CeraNova Corporation, with Penn State's MRL), composite manufacturers (Continuum Control Corporation), device packagers (Active Control eXperts), technology development (MIT), and several end-user application groups (Boeing Defense and Space, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center). The objective of the AFCC is to develop and demonstrate AFC materials for insertion into both military and commercial applications. These objectives are being achieved through 1) a consortium program in low cost manufacturing using innovative manufacturing techniques and economy of scale, 2) targeting specific military and commercial applications which could benefit substantially from successful AFC integration. This manuscript highlights recent activity in the AFCC, describing approaches to manufacturing of the fiber and composite systems, advancements in the materials and characterization for improved performance, and an overview of the applications under development.