Analytical models and solutions of laminated composite piezoelectric plates

Analytical models and solutions are obtained for the bending deformation of rectangular composite plates with extension piezoelectric actuators. The models are based on the higher order shear deformation theory, first order shear deformation theory and the classical plate theory. The Levy method, in conjunction with the state-space approach is used to analytically determine the bending solutions of plates with various boundary conditions. The laminated plates possess two opposite edges simply supported and the remaining two edges having any possible combination of boundary conditions: free, clamped, or simply supported. Numerical examples of plates incorporating piezoelectric layers with Levy-type boundary conditions will be presented. In these examples, the validity of the proposed models and the feasibility of using extension mode actuators in smart plates will be investigated. Six layer laminates are used to numerically demonstrate the analytical solutions and to investigate the laminates static behavior. Deflections are generated by the extension piezoelectric actuators for laminates of various boundary Conditions. These findings suggest promising potential for exploiting the considered laminates in many engineering applications. The effect of composite ply angle on the laminate deflection is investigated.