Static analysis of an intelligent structure by the finite element method

Abstract

Static analysis of an intelligent structure, i.e., a structure integrated with distributed actuators and sensors, is presented by the finite element method. The distributed actuator and sensor layers are made of a piezoelectric polymer called PVDF and are perfectly bonded to the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate of the intelligent structure. The substrate is a laminated rectangular plate, composed of a graphite/epoxy composite material. In order to demonstrate the distributed actuation and sensing the overall structure is considered as the plies of the laminated plate. A two-dimensional eight-noded isoparametric finite element is derived for modeling the distributed coupled electromechanical behavior using higher order displacement theory. To verify the accuracy of the finite element modeling the results obtained by the present finite element method for a given distributed mechanical load and with or without describing the electric potential on the surface of the actuator are compared with the exact solution.