Modeling of visco-electro-elastic responses of PZT-based functionally graded beam benders

Abstract

The modeling of the visco-electro-elastic behavior of functionally graded beam benders with PZT constituents is accomplished via a hierarchical framework that is based on the homogenization technique for composite layers and the laminate theory for a composite laminate. The representation of a bulk PZT constituent is based on linear visco-electro-elastic constitutive equations. The resulting bending displacements of PZT-graded bimorph and multimorph are obtained under the assumption of the Euler–Bernoulli beam. The experimental data of the bending displacements versus applied voltage are compared with the predictions for a bimorph and a multimorph, resulting in a good agreement. The responses of a bender to a complete cycle of applied voltage are shown in order to reveal the critical hysteretic actuation due to the presence of a visco-electro-elastic PZT material in a functionally graded piezoelectric beam bender which is made by functionally graded piezoelectric materials.