Dynamic Design of Laminated Piezocomposites Structures (LAPS) Using Topology Optimization Method (TOM)

Abstract

Laminated piezocomposite materials are composed by layers of piezoelectric, metal and composite material (epoxy matrix with carbon or glass fiber), which have advantages over conventional piezoelectric materials, because of their superior characteristics, which cannot be achieved by any of its components isolated, for example, more flexibility and strength and less weight. Under this approach, this project aims at the development of Laminated Piezocomposite Structures (LAPS) what primarily consist of multi-layer structures, through the vibration modes and resonant frequencies design aiming at dynamic applications. Among the potential applications of these structures it can be cited motors, sonar devices and energy harvester, being of great interest the improvement of its dynamic characteristics and performance. The dynamic design of a LAPS is complex however it can be systematized by using the Topology Optimization Method (TOM). The TOM is a method based on the distribution of material in a fixed design domain with the aim of extremizing a cost function subject to constraints inherent to the problem by means of combining the optimization algorithms and the finite element method (FEM). The MOT formulation for the LAPS dynamic project aims to determine together the optimal topology of the materials for different layers, the polarization sign of the piezoelectric material and the fiber angle of the composite layer, in order to design a particular vibration mode by means of maximizing the vibration amplitude at certain points for a specified resonance frequency, or the energy conversion. The work includes design, simulation, manufacturing and characterization of prototypes. The proposed topic is introduced in the research project FAPESP No. 2011/02387-4 under the responsibility of the advisor of the candidate.