Implementation of a user defined piezoelectric shell element for analysis of active structures

This paper presents the results of the structural behavior analysis, which was performed using a special type of the user defined finite element incorporated within commercial finite element software. As a basis for the user element implementation, a Mindlin-type nine-node shell element is used, which was developed for the application with piezoelectric materials and composite structures. For the element implementation purposes the FORTRAN user subroutine was developed and incorporated within the ABAQUS finite element software. The analysis is conducted through several examples regarding the piezoelectric bimorph cantilever beam. Results of the analysis document a very good agreement between the user element and analytical and other standard results, confirming thus a successful implementation of the developed user element subroutine. Furthermore, the analysis was extended to show the robustness of the user element to mesh distortion.

► User defined piezoelectric shell element was developed for composite structures. ► The finite element was incorporated within commercial finite element software. ► For the element implementation we developed the FORTRAN user subroutine. ► We tested the element through several examples of piezoelectric bimorph beam. ► A very good agreement with analytical and other standard results was achieved.