Zigzag Theory for Piezoelectric-Layer-Integrated Functionally Graded Material Plates

Abstract

An electromechanically coupled zigzag theory is presented for static and free vibration responses in functionally graded material (FGM) plates bonded with piezoelectric layers. It has the capability to consider continuity as well as discontinuity in material properties at all interfaces. The displacement field approximation, which is initially layer based, has been made layer independent by using continuity conditions on displacements and transverse shear stresses as well as zero traction conditions on top and bottom surfaces. Material properties in FGM layers vary continuously in the thickness direction. Piezoelectric layers have constant property across their thickness. Extended Hamilton’s principle for piezoelectric continuum has been used in deriving governing equations of motion and boundary conditions. An analytical solution is obtained for elastic as well as piezoelectric layer bonded FGM plates. Static and free vibration responses have been obtained in a number of FGM plates, with each plate considered to contain a number of FGM layers with discontinuity or continuity in material properties at the interfaces. Wherever available, present responses have been compared with three-dimensional exact solutions and other shear deformation theories. The effects of the aspect ratio, length-to-width ratio, and different schemes for effective material property calculation have been illustrated.