Piezoelastic response of smart functionally graded structure with integrated piezoelectric layers using discrete double directors shell element

The purpose of the paper is to predict the electromechanical behavior of composite shell structures with embedded piezoelectric layers using 3D-shell model based on a discrete double directors shell element. The implementation is applicable to the analysis of isotropic and functionally graded shells with integrated piezoelectric layers. The third-order shear deformation theory is introduced in the present method to remove the shear correction factor and improve the accuracy of transverse shear stresses. The present results were compared with reference solutions from literature in order to verify the accuracy of the present formulation and excellent agreement was found. A parametric study is carried out to highlight the influence of material composition and curvature radius on the deflection and axial stress along the thickness.