Exact solution for rectangular sandwich plates with embedded piezoelectricshear actuators

An exact solution is obtained for the three-dimensional deformations of sim ply supported laminated rectangular thick plates with embedded shear mode p iezoelectric actuators, subjected to mechanical and electrical loading on t he upper and lower surfaces. Each layer of the laminate is made of either a n orthotropic elastic material or a piezoelectric material whose poling dir ection lies in the plane of the plate, with perfect bonding between the adj oining layers. The exact displacements and stresses for a homogeneous piezo electric plate for various length-to-thickness ratios are compared with tho se obtained by the first-order shear deformation theory. Results are also p resented for a sandwich plate consisting of a shear mode piezoelectric core sandwiched between two elastic layers. A comparison of the stresses with t hose in the corresponding surface-mounted extension actuation configuration shows that for the same transverse deflection of the plate centroid, the m aximum longitudinal stress within the actuator is significantly smaller for the shear actuation mechanism. The exact results presented here can be use d to assess the accuracy of different plate theories and/or for validating finite element codes.