Modal voltages of linear and non-linear structures using distributed artificial neurons

Conventional sensors used for structural measurement are usually discrete-t ype add-on devices. Lightweight distributed neurons fully integrated (lamin ated or embedded) with structural components can serve as in situ sensors m onitoring structure's dynamic state and health status. Thin-film lightweigh t piezoelectric patches are perfect candidates for distributed neuron appli cations. This paper is to present the fundamental theory of generic distrib uted shell neurons and to demonstrate the lightweight distributed neuron co ncept, with analytical and experimental procedures, on an Euler-Bernoulli b eam. Fundamental sensor electromechanics of generic piezoelectric shell neu rons is introduced first, followed by definitions of neural signals generat ed by an arbitrary neuron coupled with a non-linear double-curvature elasti c shell. This generic neuron theory can be applied to a large class of line ar and non-linear common geometries, e.g. spheres, cylindrical shells, plat es, etc. To demonstrate the neuron concept, an Euler-Bernoulli beam laminat ed with segmented neurons is studied. Neural signals and modal voltages are presented. Theoretical results are compared with experimental data favoura bly. (C) 2001 Academic Press.