Higher-order B-spline finite strip model for laminated adaptive structures

This paper presents the development Of a higher-order isoparametric B-splin e finite strip model, applied to the static and free vibration analysis of composite laminated plate/shell structures, which can have arbitrary lay-up s, loading and boundary conditions. The model considers the possibility of existing embedded and/or surface bonded piezoelectric actuators and sensors ; enabling passive control of parameters, such as displacements and natural frequencies. The structure is discritized in a finite number of strips and the geometry and the displacement components of each strip are represented by interpolating functions written as products. of cubic B-spline function s and Lagrange and Hermite functions along the y and x strip directions, re spectively. The whole structure is modeled through the assembly of a finite number of flat section strips. Several examples are presented and discusse d to illustrate the accuracy and capability of the model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.