Smart Structures and Materials

Piezoelectric crystals are smart materials used in the structures for better performance under vibrations. These crystals act as a vibration damper, which depends upon location, size of crystal and value of shunt resistors. The presented work was carried out to measure the effectiveness of the crystal in reducing the response of the structure. A steel frame was used with three above mentioned parameters. Three (0.5mm. 1.0mm, 1.5mm) thicknesses, four values of shunt resistors (2.2, 10, 33 and 67 ohms) and three locations on the model (Top, Middle, and Bottom). At first, free vibration tests were carried out with these parameters and with no piezoelectric crystals. From this test, it was found that, damping increased from 0.387% (No piezoelectric crystal case) to 4.4% with 1.5mm thickness, 2.2 ohms and bottom position. Further, keeping the 2.2 ohms as constant parameter, 50% Kobe Earthquake excitation was given with other two parameters varying (Total 10 cases). It was found that the peak response reduced from 1.05 g (No piezoelectric case) to 0.83 g (1.5mm thick crystal at bottom). Also, reduction in Arias Intensity was observed. The experimental studies confirmed that the piezoelectric crystals are very effective in reducing the response of the structure with increasing the damping.