Vibration control of shell-like structures with optical strain sensors

The paper discusses the opportunity to use piezoelectric actuators (PZT) and Fiber Bragg Grating sensors (FBGs) to realize a smart structure including in itself both the sensing and the actuating devices. Different control strategies have been implemented on a test rig consisting on a plate made of carbon fiber using two chains with 15 FBG sensors each and 6 PZT actuators. Control forces are designed to increase the damping of the structures, allowing to increase of damping of the first modes of vibration of about 10 times.