The present proposal suggests a novel research and development study to provide a fuzzy and probabilistic-based computational tool that can be readily applied for integrated design, optimization and tailoring of actively controlled, smart composite structures.The innovative aspects of the methodology are:(i) integrated material/structural/control systems approach to design and optimization (ii) unified set of material/structural/control/sensor/actuator design parameters for optimization and tailoring (iii) systematic accounting for all categories of uncertainties present in the problem using both fuzzy theory and probabilistic approachesNew active "smart" or "intelligent" composite structural systems with integrated sensors, actuators and control capabilities appear to be promising candidates for the next generation high-performance structural and mechanical systems used in aeropropulsion, aircraft and space structures. One of the major attractions for the use of composite materials in structural applications is the ability to optimize and tailor their performance to desired response characteristics. Strategies and methodologies that have been employed to achieve this objective are not directly applicable to actively controlled smart structures because the structural, control, and materials aspects of this class of structures have unique characteristics that must be simultaneously considered in order to achieve the best overall performance.Commercial Applications:The computational design tool product envisaged has a tremendous commercial potential. The technology of "smart" or "intelligent" structures is growing rapidly, and their applications are spreading. We believe that the application of smart materials in engineering structure will become a routine practice for effective monitoring of the "state-of-health" and for the control of response. It is expected that the design tool to be produced in Phases I and II will be a most valuable software package that would be of interest to designs/owners of aircraft, vibrating structures and machinery (whose noise and vibration control are of vital importance), ground transportation vehicles, and even home appliances.
