An efficient coupled layerwise theory for dynamic analysis of piezoelectric composite beams

An efficient new coupled one-dimensional model is developed for the dynamics of piezoelectric composite beams. The model combines third order zigzag approximation for the displacement with layerwise approximation of the electric field as piecewise linear for sublayers. By enforcing the conditions of zero transverse shear stress at the top and bottom and its continuity at layer interfaces, the displacement field is expressed in terms of three primary displacement variables and potentials. The governing coupled equations of stress and charge equilibrium and boundary conditions are derived from Hamilton's principle. Analytical solutions are obtained, for free vibrations and forced response under harmonic load, for simply supported hybrid beams and the results are compared with the exact three-dimensional solution and uncoupled first order shear deformation theory solution. The present results show significant improvement over the first order solution and agree very well with the exact solution for both thin and thick hybrid beams. The results demonstrate the capability of the developed theory to adequately model open and closed circuit electric boundary conditions to accurately predict their influence on the response.