Higher order zig-zag theory for fully coupled thermo-electric-mechanical smart composite plates

A higher order zig-zag plate theory is developed to refine the prediction of the mechanical, thermal, and electric behaviors fully coupled. Both in-plane displacement and temperature fields through the thickness are constructed by superimposing linear zig-zag field to the smooth globally cubic varying field. Smooth parabolic distribution through the thickness is assumed in the out-of-plane displacement field in order to consider transverse normal deformation. Linear zig-zag form is adopted in the electric potential. The layer-dependent degrees of freedom of displacement and temperature fields are expressed in terms of reference primary degrees of freedom by applying interface continuity conditions as well as bounding surface conditions of transverse shear stresses and transverse heat fluxes. Thus the proposed theory is not only accurate but also efficient. Through the numerical examples of coupled and uncoupled analysis, the accuracy and efficiency of the present theory are demonstrated. The present theory is suitable in the predictions of fully coupled behaviors of thick smart composite plate under mechanical, thermal, and electric loads combined. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.