On Three-Dimensional Layered Piezoelectric Shell Elements for Design Simulation of Adaptive Structures

The paper deals with the modelling and analysis of thick piezoelectric multilayer composite shell continua applied to accurate and optimal design of adaptive (smart) structural components and systems in industrial applications. The smart composite is made of n laminae, in which each lamina can be used as either actuator, sensor, self-sensing actuator, or passive structural component. A discrete layerwise finite element approach is used to explicitly model each passive and active layer of the smart composite. In this paper, new generic isoparametric curved triangular and quadrilateral type shell elements with polynomial shape functions of different degree at each layer are developed. This approach provides a generalization of both the classical and higher order theories due to the separate displacement fields assumed in each layer of the laminate. These layered finite elements have been integrated in a finite element code to solve real engineering problems; the code’s capabilities include static analysis, eigenvalue analysis, transient response, and also control algorithms incorporated to simulate adaptively controlled smart structures. To demonstrate the capability of the newly developed isoparametric finite elements and code, a simply supported thin plate bonded with piezoelectric materials is analysed.