Development of a finite element model for the identification of mechanical and piezoelectric properties through gradient optimisation and experimental vibration data

With the increasing use of surface bonded piezoelectric sensors and actuators in laminated structures, rises the need for knowing accurate values for the resulting properties of these structures. The properties obtained through manufacturer data are in most of the cases not enough to predict the structural behaviour and implement efficient control algorithms for active noise and vibration control. To address this issue we propose a discrete finite element model, associated to gradient optimisation and to an inverse method using experimental vibration data to carry out the identification of electromechanical properties in composite plate specimens with surface bonded piezoelectric patches or layers. The properties to be determined are the elastic and piezoelectric constants of the structure's constituent materials. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.