• modal analysis
• MFC
• frequency response
• fft
• dynamic
• composite
• piezo
• piezoelectric
• static

The aim of the thesis is to validate data for static and dynamic analysis derived from FEM numerical results, carried out with the parametric software ANSYS, with those obtained by direct test conduced in the laboratory of the Aerospace Engineering Department of the University of Pisa.
The tests were carried out on samples designed specifically for this purpose. These specimens were manufactured in Dresden by Smart Material Corp. (SMC) with two different composite materials. On both of the external surfaces of the specimens are glued the Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) piezo-electric patches, which are the active control element of the structure.
In first analysis, the displacement of the specimens under a voltage load has been evaluated with an experimental analysis and therefore the FEM tests have been calibrated with the real model.
In the second phase a dynamic approach has been carried out. In this way it could be possible to compare the real modes of vibration of the specimens with the modes evaluated with FEM analysis, thorough the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Frequency Response (FR) of the system.
In the last part of the thesis a preliminary study for future development has been added.