The use of smart structures in the realization of effective semi-active Control systems for vibration reduction

The realization of semi-active actuators by smart structures is discussed. Semi-active actuators have the advantage of consuming much less power than direct-active actuators and are appropriate for the utilization in vibration problems encountered in aeronautical applications, where the loads are in general too high for direct-active actuators to perform. The development of a compact actuator device of this class, from the design phase to the validation tests, is presented.