The
Vibration and Control Laboratory is devoted to the study of smart
structures and microsystems. The primary focus is on the use of smart
materials in a variety of applications, including structural vibration
control, microelectromechanical systems (including sensors, actuators,
resonators and filters),
and energy harvesting. The laboratory is well equipped for experimental
and analytical research. Equipment includes computers and data
acquisition hardware for simulation and real-time control of dynamic
electromechanical systems; a variety of modern transducers and
instrumentation for sensing, actuation and measurement such as dynamic
signal analyzers, shakers, high voltage power supplies and amplifiers, and
a variety of basic instrumentation and sensors; and a work center for
constructing electronics and test rigs, with emphasis on piezoelectric
systems.
Recent projects include the investigation of novel frequency synthesis and
control technology for system-on-chip applications, funded by the National
Science Foundation and the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse; development of
miniature valve hardware for fuel cells, supported by the Department of
Energy; vibration analysis and control in a weapons system, supported by
DARPA and the U. S. Army; and development of novel long-stroke
piezoelectric motors for NASA.
The Vibration and Control Laboratory
can be found in 561 Benedum Hall.
