Mixed laminate theory and finite element for smart piezoelectric composite shell structures

Mechanics for the analysis of laminated composite shells with piezoelectric actuators and sensors are presented, A new mixed laminate theory for piezoelectric shells is developed in curvilinear coordinates that combines single-layer assumptions for the displacements and a layerwise representation for the electric potential. The resultant coupled governing equations for curvilinear piezoelectric laminates are described, Structural mechanics are subsequently developed and an eight-node finite element is formulated for the static and dynamic analysis of adaptive composite shell structures of general laminations containing piezoelectric layers. Evaluations of the method and comparisons with reported results were performed, Numerical results for cylindrical laminated piezoelectric composite panels with continuous piezoceramic actuators and cantilever shells with continuous or discrete piezoelectric actuators and sensors illustrate the advantages of the method and quantify the effects of curvature on the electromechanical response of piezoelectric shells.