Analysis of cross-ply laminates with piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite actuators using four-variable refined plate theory

This study presents an analytical solution for cross-ply composite laminates integrated with a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC) actuator subjected to electromechanical loading using the four-variable refined plate theory. This theory predicts parabolic variation of transverse shear stresses and satisfies the zero traction on the plate surfaces without using the shear correction factor. Using the principle of minimum potential energy, the governing equations for simply supported rectangular plates are extracted and the Navier method is adopted for solution of the equations. The comparison of obtained results with other common plate theories and the exact solution indicates that besides the simplicity of the presented formulation, it is very accurate in analysis of laminated composite plates integrated with PFRC. Also the effects of the thickness ratio, aspect ratio, number of layers, staking sequence and amount of electrostatic loading on the displacements and stresses are investigated and the obtained findings are reported.