Modelling of finite piezoelectric patches: Comparing an approximate power series expansion theory with exact theory

Plate equations for a plate consisting of one elastic layer and one piezoelectric layer with an applied electric voltage have previously been derived by use of power series expansions of the field variables in the thickness coordinate. These plate equations are here evaluated by the consideration of a time harmonic 2D vibration problem with finite layers. The boundary conditions at the sides of the layers then have to be considered. Numerical comparisons of the displacement field are made with solutions from two other theories; a solution with equivalent boundary conditions for a thin piezoelectric layer applied on an elastic plate and an exact solution based on Fourier series expansions. The two approximate theories are shown to be equally good and they both yield accurate results for low frequencies and thin plates.