<title>Comparison of adaptronic microsystems based on piezoelectric fibers for general use or for the utilization in prepreg FRP</title>

Abstract

The field of 'Adaptronics' combines sensor and actuator effects with electronics. The components furnished with adaptronics shall sense relevant properties and shall adapt in an intelligent way - they shall 'feel, thick and act'. For instance, one application is the active vibration compensation of dynamically stressed structures. So far, adaptronics utilizes actuators - and partly also sensors - in the mm size range which posses a substantial stiffness. If such actuators/sensors were to be integrated into light weight structures - e.g. an carbon fiber reinforced aeroplane part or a glass fiber reinforced robot arm - the light weight structures would be severely affected in their advantageous properties. If however, these specific properties are to be maintained, the actuators/sensors have to feature a small volume and stiffness. The micro manufacturing of such systems is an activity of the Fraunhofer Institute IFAM. The approach chosen includes the utilization of piezo electric fibers in the diameter range from 20 micrometers - 200 micrometers . The micro systems consist of many fibers being contacted by interdigitized electrodes made of electrically conductive adhesives. In addition, structural adhesives and casting polymers are used. These actuator/sensor modules can be both applied onto structures, or integrated into structures. The performance of the different modules will be compared. An interesting approach for the use of sensor/actuator modules especially in prepreg fiber reinforced plastics is to also make the PZT fiber modules in a prepreg state. The presentation will feature the latest result of the developments regarding both, the manufacture and the performance of cured as well as prepreg modules.