Geometrically Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Composite Plates Integrated with the Patches of Piezoelectric Fiber-reinforced Composite

Geometrically nonlinear static analysis of laminated smart composite plates integrated with the patches of piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC) material acting as the distributed actuators has been carried out by a generalized energy based finite element model. The Von Karman type nonlinear strain displacement relations and a simple first-order shear deformation theory are used for deriving this coupled electromechanical finite element model. Eight-noded isoparametric serendipity elements are used for discretizing the overall plates. The nonlinear finite element equilibrium equations are solved by Picard's direct iteration method under relaxation. The performance of the PFRC patches has been investigated for both symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply and antisymmetric angle-ply laminated composite plate substrates with different boundary conditions. Particular emphasis has been placed on investigating the effect of variation of piezoelectric fiber orientation on the actuating capability of the PFRC patches for counteracting the nonlinear deformations of the smart composite plates. The results suggest the potential use of the patches of PFRC material for distributed control of nonlinear deformations of smart composite structures.