Characterization of Non-Symmetrical Damage in Smart Plate-Like Structures

Abstract

<p>Smart material technology is an active area of research, with promising applications that include, for instance, control systems [2, 8] and nondestructive evaluation [3, 8]. Among the different types of smart material structures currently studied, structures with bonded piezoelectric ceramic patches are of particular interest [6]. When an electric field is applied, piezoceramic patches induce strains in the material to which they are bonded and, conversely, they produce a voltage when a deformation occurs in the material [7, 8]. As a consequence, these patches can act both as actuators and sensors, providing the host structure with smart material capabilities.</p>