Abstract
Bi-stable unsymmetric composite laminates controlled with the piezoelectric MFC actuators are considered as a possible morphing structure. The use of piezoelectric actuators to effect snap-through behavior in bi-stable unsymmetric laminates is studied two ways. First, an experimental actuator-laminate structure is discussed along with efforts to model the shapes and behavior of the structure using the Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The modeling shows promise: the shapes were closely predicted, but the snap-through voltage was under predicted. In the second part of the paper, the capability to model actuator-laminate structures was expanded to include finite-element modeling using the finite-element package ABAQUS. Two finite-element models of simple problems were developed and compared with Rayleigh-Ritz solutions. Agreement between the finite-element and the Rayleigh-Ritz solutions was generally good: the predicted shapes were very similar, but the finite-element solutions were able to capture behavior not seen in the Rayleigh-Ritz solutions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
