Analysis of interfacial stresses and actuation authorities induced by surface-bondedpiezoelectric actuators on curved flexible beams

Abstract

An analytical model is developed to evaluate interfacial stresses and actuation authoritiesinduced by a surface-bonded piezoelectric actuator on a curved flexible beam. Thegoverning equations and boundary conditions are derived through variationalprinciples. To obtain more concise interfacial stresses, this model includes a bondinglayer, which is often not considered in previous studies. To support the validity ofthe developed model, a straight host beam is chosen as a special case and theinterfacial shear stress from the current model are compared with that from the shearlag theory. Parametric studies are performed to examine the effects of variousparameters—radius, bonding layer thickness and curved beam thickness—on the interfacialstresses and actuation authorities. This model contributes to the understandingof piezoelectric actuations on curved flexible beams, with the consideration ofbonding layers, in three aspects. First, this model can provide a tool for evaluatinginterfacial shear and peeling stresses. Second, one can predict the piezoelectricactuation authority efficiently and accurately utilizing the closed form solutionsof interfacial stresses. Finally, this model can be used to analyze the effects ofbonding layers on the piezoelectric actuation and provide insights for better designs.