Modelling and analysis of dynamic interaction between piezoelectric actuators

This article provides a comprehensive theoretical treatment of the coupled dynamic electromechanical behaviour of interacting piezoceramic actuators e mbedded in an elastic medium under inplane electrical load. The actuators a re characterized by an electroelastic line model with the poling direction being perpendicular to its length. The theoretical formulations, governing this coupled system, are based upon the use of integral equations and a new pseudo-incident wave method. A new shear stress singularity factor (SSSF) at the tip of the actuator is obtained by solving these integral equations using Chebyshev polynomial expansions. Typical examples are provided to sho w the effect of the geometry of the actuator, the material combination and the loading frequency upon the SSSF. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.