MODELING AND SHAPE CONTROL OF COMPOSITE BEAMS WITH EMBEDDED PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS

A mathematical model based on a layerwise theory is developed for lami nated composite beams with piezoelectric actuators. The one-dimensiona l beam formulation also accounts for lateral strains. A finite element model is developed. Voltages applied to the actuators are assumed to be specified. The accuracy of the model and the computer code is valid ated with the available solutions in the literature. Various parametri c studies are conducted to demonstrate the influence of boundary condi tions, ply orientation, etc., on the change in shapes of laminated bea ms with piezoelectric actuators. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science L td.