Finite Element analysis and modelling of Active Fibre Composites including damages

Active Fibre Composites (AFC) are modelled by piezo-electric Finite Elements (FEs) and their effective properties are determined by FE analysis. Cracks in the piezo-ceramic fibres are introduced to the model and the effective properties are determined for different extent of the damages. A simplified FE shell-bar model of AFC is developed in order to replace this layer in the large-scale model of a multi-layered smart composite structure. A methodology to transfer the effective properties of the AFC determined in the FE analysis to the shell-bar model is developed. The shell-bar model of AFC allows the dynamic behaviour of a smart composite structure to be simulated by FE and investigated.