A semi-analytical solution for static and dynamic analysis of plates with piezoelectric patches

A modified mixed variational principle for piezoelectric materials is established and the state-vector equation of piezoelectric plates is deduced directly from the principle. Then the exact solution of the state-vector equation is simply given, and based on the semi-analytical solution of the state-vector equation, a realistic mathematical model is proposed for static analysis of a hybrid laminate and dynamic analysis of a clamped aluminum plate with piezoelectric patches. Both the plate and patches are considered as two three-dimensional piezoelectric bodies, but the same linear quadrilateral element is used to discretize the plate and patches. This method accounts for the compatibility of generalized displacements and generalized stresses on the interface between the plate and patches, and the transverse shear deformation and the rotary inertia of the plate and patches are also considered in the global algebraic equation system. Meanwhile, there is no restriction on the thickness of plate and patches. The model can be also modified to achieve a semi-analytical solution for the transient responses to dynamic loadings and the vibration control of laminated plate with piezoelectric patches or piezoelectric stiffeners.