Analysis of adaptive plate structures by mixed layerwise finite elements

In this paper, a mixed layerwise finite element model for adaptive plate structures is presented. Static and free-vibration analysis of piezoelectric laminated plate structures is considered. A modified Reissner mixed variational principle is used to formulate the finite element model. The mixed functional is formulated using transverse stresses, displacement components and electrical potential as primary variables. The present model, in contrast with the standard layerwise displacement finite element model, fulfils the continuity of all primary variables across the interface between adjacent layers. The in-plane stress components and the electric displacements are evaluated in the post-computation through the piezolaminate constitutive equations. Two illustrative examples are presented for comparison. The predictions of the primary variables and the efficiency of the model, mainly with reference to the interlaminar stresses are discussed and compared with alternative three-dimensional solutions. The present solutions are found to be in good agreement with the benchmark solutions for the static and modal analysis problems.