Modelling of piezolaminated plates using layerwise mixed finite elements

TLDR: In this paper, a Reissner mixed variational equation is used to derive the governing equations, using transverse stresses, transverse electrical displacement, displacement components and electrical potential as primary variables.

Abstract: This paper deals with the development of a layerwise finite element model for piezo-laminated plate structures. A Reissner mixed variational equation is used to derive the governing equations, using transverse stresses, transverse electrical displacement, displacement components and electrical potential as primary variables. The present model in contrast with the standard layerwise displacement finite elements fulfils the continuity of all primary variables at the interface between adjacent layers. Only the layers in-plane stress components and corresponding electric displacements are evaluated by post-processing through the piezolaminated constitutive equations. The applicability and performance of the proposed model is illustrated with an example. The predictions of the primary variables and the efficiency of the model mainly related with the interlaminar stresses are discussed and compared with alternative three-dimensional solutions.