Modelling of piezolaminated plates using layerwise mixed finite elements

Abstract: This paper deals with the development of a layerwise finite element model for piezolaminated plate structures. A Reissner mixed variational principle is used to formulate the finite element model. The mixed functional is formulated using transverse stresses, transverse electrical displacement (if continuity, across the thickness, is required), displacement components and electrical potential as primary variables. The present model in contrast with the standard layerwise displacement finite element model, fulfils the continuity of all primary variables across the interface between adjacent layers. Only the in-plane stress components and electric displacements are evaluated in the post-computation through the piezolaminate constitutive equations. The applicability and performance of the proposed finite element model is illustrated with two examples. The predictions of the primary variables and the efficiency of the model, mainly with reference to the interlaminar stresses are discussed and compared with alternative three-dimensional solutions. The present solutions are found to be in good agreement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]