Modelling of multilayer actuator layers by homogenisation technique using Digimat software

This paper is concerned with the microstructure of adhesive joints composed of BaTiO3 ceramic material and two kinds of adhesives, with a special emphasis on the numerical modelling of grain size, shape and material porosity. BaTiO3 powder for use in stacked-disk multilayer actuator production is manufactured using the solid-state technique. The properties of BaTiO3 material at each stage of its fabrication that influence its application for the stacked-disk multilayer actuator are presented and discussed. The parameters characterising the properties of the fabricated pellets are also described. Implicit time-discretisation and consistent tangent operators are employed. A 3D microstructure model of BaTiO3 using Digimat-FE software is generated. Then, effective elastic constants of BaTiO3 and epoxy adhesive composites are calculated by numerical simulation. The Mori-Tanaka homogenisation scheme for representative volume elements of BaTiO3 and epoxy adhesives composites is carried out using Digimat-MF software in order to obtain failure characteristics of the composite material.