G.K. Tairidis, G. Foutsitzi and G.E. Stavroulakis, "Optimal design of smart composites," in Approximation and Optimization, vol. 145, Springer Optimization and Its Applications, I. Demetriou, P. Pardalos, Eds., Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature, 2019, pp. 185-217. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-12767-1_10
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12767-1_10
In the present chapter, optimal design problems related to smart composites are investigated. First, the mechanical properties of a smart composite can be tailored to meet required specifications. Beyond classical shape and layout optimization related to the layers of a composite, pointwise optimization leading to functionally graded composites or even topology optimization can be applied. A cantilever beam with two materials is briefly presented. Furthermore, the control subsystem has several parameters to be optimized: number and position of sensors and actuators, as well as the parameters of the controller. Here, some basic techniques regarding soft control based on fuzzy and neuro-fuzzy strategies are presented, along with optimization options and methods which can be used for the fine-tuning of the parameters of the system. The main concept of the present chapter is to provide stimuli to those who deal with design, optimization, and control issues on smart structures.