NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Control of flexible structures by applied thermal gradientsThermal, elastic, and feedback analyses are applied to the case of a beam with a distributed thermal actuator. The actuator is capable of producing a thermal gradient across the section of the beam. One candidate for such an actuator uses the Peltier effect, which appears in certain semiconductors. These devices act as heat pumps when a voltage is applied, causing a temperature gradient. It is shown that the thermal gradients can induce deflection in the beam. If the thermal gradients are applied in the proper sense to a vibrating beam, it is possible to increase the vibration damping exhibited by the structure. Experimental results are given for a cantilever beam, whose first vibrational mode damping ratio was increased from 0.81 to 7.4 percent with simple lead compensation.
Document ID
19870052269
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Edberg, Donald L.
(California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: AIAA Journal
Volume: 25
ISSN: 0001-1452
Subject Category
Structural Mechanics
Accession Number
87A39543
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available