Post buckling analysis of smart laminated doubly curved shells

In the present investigation, the geometrically nonlinear post buckling analysis of piezoelectric laminated doubly curved shells is presented using finite element method. The piezoelectric material is used in the form of layers or patches embedded and/or surface bonded on laminated composite shells. The finite element model includes the general geometric nonlinearity due to large deflection. The shell geometry used in the formulation is derived using the orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. Based on the principle of virtual work the nonlinear finite element equations are derived. A total Lagrangian approach associated to arc-length method is used to solve the equilibrium equations. Smart shells having integrated piezoelectric actuators undergo large displacements resulting snap through phenomenon from one equilibrium state to another. The present results are found to compare well with those available in the open literature and the post buckling responses of [±45°/∓45°]s laminated spherical, cylindrical and conoidal shell panels with piezoelectric layer are analyzed and the nonlinear load–deflection curves are presented.