LAUSR

Abstract In the present work, a novel explicit analytical solution is proposed for obtaining twisting deformation and optimal shape control of smart laminated cantilever composite plates/beams using inclined piezoelectric actuators. The linear piezoelectricity and plate theories are adapted for the analysis. A novel double integral multivariable Fourier transformation method and discretised higher order partial differential unit step function equations are employed. For the first time, an exact solution is developed to analyse electro-mechanical twisting moments in smart composite structures. Since there are no published benchmark results for verification, a series of simple, accurate and robust finite element (FE) analysis models and realistic electro-mechanical coupled FE procedures are developed for the effective prediction of the structural behaviour of the smart laminated piezo-composite structures under arbitrary loads. In addition to the novelty of the explicit solution, more comprehensive FE simulations of smart structures and step-by-step guidelines are discussed. The effect of various parameters including electro-mechanical twisting coupling, layup thickness, actuators size, placement, and inclination angle, electrical voltage, stacking sequence, and geometrical dimension are taken into account. The comparison of results shows an excellent agreement. Unlike the earlier studies, the proposed method does not require the characteristic and trial deflection function to be predetermined.