A Model for Shape Control of Cross-ply Laminated Shells using a Piezoelectric Actuator

Abstract

This article investigates the technique of using a piezoelectric (P) material as the actuator to control the deformation of thin unsymmetric cross-ply laminated shells. A theoretical model is developed using the Rayleigh–Ritz principle to predict the effect of piezoelectric layer on laminated shell deformation. Several stacking sequences are investigated. Owing to the curvature of the shell, the position of the piezoelectric layer has a great effect on the deformation. The effect of the P-layer as the outer surface or inner surface is investigated. It is found that to achieve the same amount of deformation, different levels of electric fields have to be applied depending on the P-layer configuration. The efficiency of the P-layer on shells with various stacking sequences is also studied and it is observed that the efficiency is determined by the stacking sequence of the composite layers. This model can be used as a guide to design the piezocomposite laminated shell.