Geometrically nonlinear analysis of composite laminated structures with multiple macro-fiber composite (MFC) actuators

The paper develops geometrically nonlinear finite element (FE) models for macro-fiber composite (MFC) bonded thin-walled smart structures using various nonlinear shell theories based on the Reissner–Mindlin hypothesis. The nonlinear FE model considers arbitrary piezoelectric fiber orientation in MFC patches, which influences the structural response significantly. Two different kinds of MFCs are considered, namely MFC-d31 and MFC-d33, in which the former one is dominated by the d31d31 effect, while the latter one is by the d33d33 effect. The mathematical model is first validated by a cantilevered plate with the simulation and experimental results in the literature. Afterwards, a cantilevered plate and a semicircular shell both bonded with multi-MFC patches are analyzed by the present nonlinear FE model.