Analysis of a rotating elastic beam with piezoelectric films as an angular rate sensor.

The flexural vibration of an elastic beam with surface-bonded piezoelectric films rotating about its axis is studied. One-dimensional equations governing the motion of the beam are developed, including the effects of Coriolis and centrifugal forces. The equations are used in the analysis of the flexural vibration of the beam under the excitation of an alternating electric voltage. Forced vibration solution is obtained. The beam can be used as a gyroscope for detecting the angular rate of the rotation. Voltage sensitivity and its dependence on various geometric and physical parameters are examined.