Semi-analytical analysis for piezoelectric plate using the scaled boundary finite-element method

•We develop a 3D-consistent technique to analyse piezoelectric plates.•Representing the through-thickness solutions of piezoelectric plates analytically.•The technique can be flexibly tailored for different piezoelectric applications.•Analysing the plates as 3D structures without sacrificing computational efficiency.•Modelling curved boundaries effectively with high order spectral elements.

This paper presents an accurate semi-analytical technique to analyse piezoelectric plates. The proposed technique is built upon the scaled boundary finite-element method. No kinematic and electrostatic assumptions are introduced in the derivation process. The in-plane dimensions are divided into 2D elements and the 3D geometry is obtained by translating the mesh in thickness direction. The through-thickness solutions are expressed analytically with a matrix exponential function. The 3D-onistent nature allows the proposed technique to describe the through-thickness behaviour of piezoelectric plates accurately. Numerical shear locking does not arise. Four numerical examples are presented to highlight the performance of the proposed technique.