Finite Element Modeling of a Plate with Localized Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators

This paper presents the numerical modeling of a plate structure containing bonded piezoelectric material. Hamilton’s principle is employed to derive the finite element equations using the mechanical energy of the structure and the electrical energy of the piezoelectric material. Then, a numerical model is developed based on Kirchhoff’s plate theory. A computational program is implemented for analyzing the static and dynamic behavior of composite plates with piezoelectric layers symmetrically bonded to the top and bottom surfaces. A set of numerical simulations is performed and the results are compared with those from analytical formulation available in the literature and with software ANSYS.