A theoretical analysis of piezoelectric/composite anisotropic laminate with larger-amplitude deflection effect, Part I: Fundamental equations

Considering the effects of both the different material properties of composite layers and the poling directions of piezoelectric layers, we utilized the assumption of the simple-higher-order shear deformation theory to model and analyze the laminated composite plate integrated with the random poled piezoelectric layers. Further, the generalized Hamilton’s variation principle for electro-elasticity was employed to deduce the fundamental equations of piezoelectric/composite anisotropic laminate, i.e. the governing equations and boundary conditions. For the special requirement of the larger-amplitude deflection of smart structures, the Von Karman strains were used to account for the geometric nonlinear effect of the practical larger-amplitude deflection on the electro-elastic behavior of smart composite structures. Moreover, the sensor equations were also carried out with considering the large-amplitude deflection effect of smart composite structures.