Piezo electric actuator method and apparatus.

摘要

An optical fibre (12) is connected to a structure (10) so as to be deformed by the latter's movement. Light is directed into the optical fibre (12) and a detector (16) detects changes in the light signal indicating movement of the fibre (12) caused by movement or deformation of the structure (10). The detector output is processed (17) so as to operate one or more piezo-electric actuators (34,36) attached to the structure (10). The piezo-electric actuators (34,36) may therefore dampen the movement of the structure (10) or may be used to re-position the structure (10). The structure (10) may be an aerofoil for example.