Modelling of piezoelectrically actuated bistable composites

Bistable asymmetric composites with piezoelectric actuators that induce 'snap-through' from one stable state to another are candidate smart materials for shape-change (morphing) applications. This paper combines a homogenised piezoelectric model of a Macro Fibre Composite with a bistable asymmetric laminate model. Both predicted shape and snap-through voltage of a piezo-actuated [0/90](T) laminate compare favourably with experimental results. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.