Modeling and characterization of piezoelectrically actuated bistable composites

This paper develops and validates a finite-element model to predict both the cured shape and snap-through of asymmetric bistable laminates actuated by piezoelectric macro fiber composites attached to the laminate. To fully describe piezoelectric actuation, the three-dimensional compliance [s_ij], piezoelectric [d_ij], and relative permittivity [ε_ij] matrices were formulated for the macro fiber actuator. The deflection of an actuated isotropic aluminum beam was then modeled and compared with experimental measurements to validate the data. The model was then extended to bistable laminates actuated using macro fiber composites. Model results were compared with experimental measurements of laminate profile (shape) and snap-through voltage. The modeling approach is an important intermediate step toward enabling design of shape-changing structures based on bistable laminates.