Application Cases

【Overview】
In this study, the Aigtek ATA-7015 high-voltage amplifier was used to build an experimental system for macro-fiber composites. Fiber-reinforced composites are widely used in aerospace and other fields, but traditional straight-fiber designs limit performance optimization. Bistable laminates have become a research hotspot due to their reversible snap-through characteristics between two stable states; however, the stiffness of straight-fiber configurations cannot be adjusted. Variable-stiffness designs, achieved by curvilinear fiber placement, enable continuous in-plane stiffness variations and significantly improve load-bearing capacity. However, existing research has mostly focused on straight-fiber plates, leaving variable-stiffness configurations and actuation control mechanisms understudied. This paper, based on a linear variation model of fiber angles, combined with theoretical analysis, finite element simulations, and experiments, systematically investigates the stable configurations, piezoelectric actuation snap-through, nonlinear dynamics, and PID vibration control of variable-stiffness bistable plates, providing a new solution for deformable structure applications.

Experiment Name: Research on Dynamic Characteristics and Vibration Control of Variable-Stiffness Bistable Plates with Curvilinear Fiber Placement

Experiment Principle:
This study is based on the theory of variable stiffness via curvilinear fiber placement. The inverse piezoelectric effect of macro-fiber composites (MFC) is used to drive the bistable plate, inducing in-plane stiffness variations and stable-state snap-through. A mechanical model is established using centrally clamped boundary conditions and a multi-parameter displacement function. Validation is performed through Abaqus finite element simulations and experimental setups (e.g., signal generator, high-voltage amplifier). Innovative optimization of MFC bonding angles and the use of a PID control algorithm are introduced. Experiments show that the critical snap-through voltage can be significantly reduced (e.g., to 244 V for the VS-1 type), and vibrations can be quickly suppressed within 0.3–2 seconds, providing an efficient control scheme for deformable structures.

Experimental Block Diagram:

Experimental Setup Photos:

Experimental Procedure:
DC or sinusoidal voltages were applied to the variable-stiffness bistable plate using macro-fiber composites (MFC). Displacement sensors and multimeters were used to monitor in real time the configuration snap-through and vibration response of the laminate. Analysis showed that under optimal driving conditions (e.g., critical snap-through voltage of 542 V for Type-1 plate), the snap-through occurred stably, with a theoretical-to-experimental error of only 10.1%. During the vibration control phase, a PID algorithm was used to dynamically adjust the MFC control voltage, achieving rapid suppression of free vibrations within 0.3–2 seconds, with amplitude attenuation exceeding 90%. The results validated the effectiveness of MFC-driven snap-through and vibration control, providing reliable experimental support for the application of variable-stiffness structures in aerospace and other fields.

Advantages of Aigtek Amplifiers in This Application:

1. Ultra-high voltage output capability – Fully covers the voltage testing requirements.

2. Wide bandwidth and high slew rate – Precisely meets the dynamic response requirements of the experiment.

3. Low distortion and real-time monitoring – Ensures control accuracy and consistency across multiple operating conditions.

Recommended Product: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications and Parameters