Sheet metal forming of piezoceramic-metal-laminar structures: simulation and experimental analysis

Adaptive systems with peizoelectric components offer significant opportunities for the active control of dynamic behaviour. Vibration and acoustic control as well as structural health monitoring are also possible. However, ineffective production technologies prevent industrial applications. The authors are therefore proposing the integration of piezo-modules inside a double-layer sheet. The use of semi-cured adhesive avoids shear-forces being transferred to the piezo-modules during forming. After forming, the adhesive will cure and transfer of piezoelectric strain to the sheet is made possible. A detailed finite-element-model incorporating the electro-mechanical characteristics of the piezo-modules has been developed. The simulation results were validated experimentally.