Smart constrained layer damping of functionally graded shells using vertically/obliquely reinforced 1--3 piezocomposite under a thermal environment

We analyze active constrained layer damping (ACLD) of functionally graded (FG) shells under a thermal environment using vertically and obliquely reinforced 1–3 piezocomposites (PZCs) and investigate the performance of PZCs as materials for the constraining layer of the ACLD treatment. The shell’s deformations are analyzed by using a modified first-order shear deformation theory and the finite element method. A temperature gradient is applied across the thickness of the shell. Both in-plane and out-of-plane actuations of the constraining layer of the ACLD treatment have been utilized. Particular emphasis has been placed on ascertaining the performance of patches when the orientation angle of the piezoelectric fibers in the constraining layer is varied in two mutually orthogonal vertical planes. It is found that the vertical actuation dominates over the in-plane actuation, and distributed actuators made of vertically and obliquely reinforced 1–3 PZCs have great potential for controlling the performance of FG shells under a thermal environment.