Exact higher order solutions for a simple adaptive structure

The analysis of an adaptive beam composed by a passive layer and two surface bonded induced strain actuators is considered. A simple higher order beam model is formulated and exact solutions are obtained for a case of membrane actuation and for a pure bending case. The obtained solutions are then discussed in terms of the main geometrical parameters of the system and compared with the classical closed form solutions based on Euler-Bernoulli models. As a result the interaction mechanism between the passive and the active part of the structure is better described than in existing closed form models. Moreover the present model allows the description of the edge effect which occurs close to the free boundary of the considered structure. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.