A mixed model for adaptive composite plates with piezoelectric for anisotropic actuation

A theoretical formulation for modelling composite smart structures, in which the piezoelectric actuators and sensors are treated as constituent parts of the entire structural system, is presented. The mathematical model is based on a High Order Displacement field coupled with a Layerwise Linear electric potential. This model is developed for a composite laminated plate structure using Hamilton’s variational principle with the Finite Element (FE) formulation. The performance of the 8 node element was found to be superior to the four node element for very thin structures. This formulation was verified using existing FE software and results from literature. Investigation into the effects of different actuator locations, orientations and electric field directions illustrate anisotropic actuation capabilities. Then the variation in mechanical and piezoelectric anisotropy was also examined.