State space solution for thick laminated piezoelectric plates with clamped and electric open-circuited boundary conditions

Based on the theories of 3-D elasticity and piezoelectricity and by assuming appropriate boundary functions, the state equation for laminated piezoelectric plate is established. By using the transfer matrix and recursive solution approach, an analytical solution that satisfies all boundary conditions, including the conditions on the top and bottom surfaces, of the laminates is presented. The solution can take into account all the independent elastic and piezoelectric constants for orthotropic and piezoelectric materials and satisfies the continuity conditions between plies of the laminates. Numerical examples are given at the end of the paper to verify the effectiveness of the present method. The results are compared with those of existing analytical and finite element models. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.