Seminar - Abraham Wang - Stability Analysis of a Beam Structure and its Control with Piezoelectric Layers

Thursday 31 May 2007, 1.10 - 1.50 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 3

Dr. Q. (Abraham) Wang
Canada Research Chair II and Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical and manufacturing Engineering
University of Manitoba

Abstract:
This seminar presents the flutter and buckling analysis of a general beam structure and its flutter and buckling capacity enhancement with a pair of piezoelectric layers.

The co-existence of flutter and buckling in a general beam structure due to the presence of a follower force is an interesting and important phenomenon. The analysis of this phenomenon is significant in the design of beam structures. First, the critical transition-curved surface for differentiating the two distinct unstable forms of the beam, i.e. flutter and buckling, is defined. The capacity of the follower force is also derived for flutter and buckling of the beam. Second, the great potential of smart materials such as piezoelectric layers and shape memory alloys in enhancing flutter and buckling capacity of structures is explored. Location and size effects of piezoelectric layers in enhancing structural stability capacity are revealed in the research.

The research may be used as a benchmark for flutter and buckling analysis of beams. Moreover, this research provides an accurate model in enhancing the flutter and buckling capacities of engineering structures.

In addition to this specific research, Dr. Wang will also introduce some of his recent research findings in other areas, such as the structural health monitoring with smart materials and nano-mechanics.

Biography
Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in 1994 from Peking University. He has conducted research in Hong Kong University, Nanyang Tech. University, University of South Carolina, Purdue University, National University of Singapore, and the University of Central Florida. He is currently a Canada Research Chair and an associate professor in the University of Manitoba. His research topics include: health monitoring of structures with wavelet technique and smart materials, wave excitation and propagation in piezoelectric coupled structures, vibration and control of structures by piezoelectric materials, stability analysis and control of structures by use of piezoelectric materials and shape memory alloy (SMA), repair of cracked and delaminated structures with piezoelectric materials, and nano-mechanics. His research papers have been published in leading refereed international journals, such as Applied Physics Letters, Physical Review B, International Journal of Solids and Structures, ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Smart Materials and Structures, Physics Letters A and etc. His research findings has received more than 330 SCI citations. Dr. Wang is the recipient of many rewards such as Intellectual Property Award and Technology Transfer Award sponsored by University of South Carolina. He is an editorial board member of 3 international journals.