Exact three-dimensional piezothermoelasticity solution for dynamics of rectangular cross-ply hybrid plates featuring interlaminar bonding imperfections

Abstract An exact three-dimensional (3D) piezothermoelasticity solution is presented for static, free vibration and steady state harmonic response of simply supported cross-ply piezoelectric (hybrid) laminated rectangular plates with interlaminar bonding imperfections. The bonding imperfection is modeled by considering the jump in the displacements, electric potential and temperature across the non-rigid interface proportional, respectively, to the associated tractions, transverse electric displacement and heat flux. The solution includes the case when electric potentials are prescribed at the interfaces for effective actuation. Numerical results are presented for hybrid composite and sandwich plates with varying imperfection compliance. The effect of location of imperfect bonding on the response is investigated for mechanical, electric potential and thermal load cases. The effect of weak bonding at elastic–piezoelectric interface on the actuation authority of the piezoelectric layer is also investigated. These results would serve as benchmark for assessing 2D plate theories incorporating interlaminar bonding imperfections.