Modelling smart structures with segmented piezoelectric sensors and actuators

Abstract

In this paper, a number of finite element models have been developed for comprehensive modelling of smart structures with segmented piezoelectric sensing and actuating patches. These include an eight-node solid-shell element for modelling homogeneous and laminated host structures as well as an eight-node solid-shell and a four-node piezoelectric membrane elements for modelling surface bonded piezoelectric sensing and actuating patches. To resolve the locking problems in these elements and improve their accuracy, assumed natural strain and hybrid stress formulations are employed. Furthermore, piezoelectric patches are often coated with metallization. The concept of electric nodes is introduced that can eliminate the burden of constraining the equality of the electric potential for physical nodes lying on the same metallization. A number of problems are studied by the developed finite element models and comparisons with other ad hoc element models are presented.