Abstract

Advanced structures with integrated actuators that are able to change their shape in response to environmental changes are gaining
more and more interest in recent years. This work develops an analytical method for the overall analysis of structural response due
to actuation. A new approach, for static shape control is presented where the structure is assumed to have general geometry and
boundary conditions. The analytical model represents the actuator in terms of actuator stiffness matrices, which are then integrated
into the well-known force-displacement equation. In a further chapter local element behaviour is investigated with a particular
focus on adaptive beam elements. Generalised Hooke's Laws for extension and bending are derived for adaptive beam elements of
general geometry. Finally, the last chapter discusses design issues. The minimum number of actuators that are required to obtain an
exact solution for a desired shape is investigated for truss and beam structures and the question of optimal placement is addressed.
A matrix notation for the computation of the actuated self-stress is presented.