Predictor-corrector finite element approach for electroelastic analysis of hybrid composite plates Original Research Article

A predictor-corrector finite element approach is presented for the steady-state (static) electroelastic analysis of multilayered hybrid composite plates. The plates consist of a combination of fiber-reinforced and piezoelectric layers (or patches). The problem is formulated in terms of the displacement components and the electric potential. A two-dimensional finite element model is used in the predictor phase. Linear displacement variation and quadratic electric potential variation are assumed in the thickness direction (five displacement parameters and three electric potential parameters). The functional dependence of the displacement components and the electric potential are then calculated using three-dimensional equations. The corrected quantities are used to obtain better estimates for the different response quantities. The effectiveness of the predictor-corrector approach is demonstrated by numerical examples of five-layer plates consisting of four graphite-epoxy layers and one piezoelectric layer, subjected to transverse mechanical loading and electric potential.