Nonlinear modeling of composite plates with piezoceramic layers using finite element analysis

A finite element formulation for the vibration of piezoceramic laminated plates that takes hysteretic behavior into account is presented. Structural deformations of the layers are modeled using Mindlin plate theory where electro-mechanical coupling equations are formulated based on the same theory. Electro-mechanical coupling terms model orthotropic piezoelectric properties (g31≠g32), in addition to an orthotropic formulation for the mechanical properties of each plate layer. Lateral and transversal displacement fields are modeled with 8-node serendipity quadratic elements. Hysteretic behavior within the dielectric domain is implemented and simulated via the finite element method using an Ishlinskii model. Experimental hysteresis characterization for a single piezo layer and simulation results are presented. A coupled composite plate model is also tested under different loading conditions experimentally and numerically.