Coupled layerwise analysis of thermopiezoelectric composite beams

Abstract

Previously developed discrete layer mechanics are extended to incorporate thermal effects to account for the complete coupled mechanical, electrical, and thermal response of piezoelectric composite beams. Thermal effects in both the elastic and piezoelectric media are captured at the material level. This unified representation leads to an inherent capability to model both the sensory and active responses of piezoelectric composite beams in thermal environments. Finite element equations are developed and implemented for a beam element with linear shape functions. Results from the current formulation are compared with results from a conventional thermoelastic finite element analysis and classical beam theory. Additional numerical studies demonstrate capabilities of the current formulation to predict the thermal deformation of composite beams, as well as the active compensation of these thermal deformations using piezoelectric structures. The corresponding sensory response and the resultant stress state in the piezoelectric composite beam are also presented. [Amn], [Bmn], [Dmn] b [C] {D} [d] {E} [Emn] [e] {F}