Geometrically nonlinear finite element simulation of smart laminated shells using a modified first-order shear deformation theory

Abstract

This article investigates geometrically nonlinear and linear analysis of multilayered shells with integrated piezoelectric materials. An efficient nonlinear shell element is developed to solve piezoelastic response of laminated structure with embedded piezoelectric actuators and sensors. A modified first-order shear deformation theory is introduced in the present method to remove the shear correction factor and improve the accuracy of transverse shear stresses. The electric potential is assumed to be a linear function through the thickness of each active sub-layer. Several numerical tests for different piezolaminated geometries are conducted to highlight the reliability and efficiency of the proposed implementation in linear and geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis.