Asymptotic Homogenization Models for Smart Composite Plates with Rapidly Varying Thickness: Part II-Applications

Asymptotic homogenization models for smart composite plates with rapidly varying thickness and periodically arranged actuators were derived in Part I of this work. These models were subsequently used to determine general expressions for effective elastic, actuation, thermal expansion, and hygroscopic expansion coefficients. The present article applies the theory to determine the effective properties of constant thickness laminates composed of monoclinic materials or orthotropic materials not referred to their principal coordinate system. These effective properties can then be used to calculate strains and stresses induced in the laminates by external loath, hygrothermal effects, or electric fields. Further examples illustrate the determination of the effective properties of wafer-type smart composite plates reinforced with smart ribs or stiffeners oriented along the tangential directions of the plate. For generality, it is assumed that the ribs and the base plate are made of different orthotropic materials.