An exact three-dimensional solution for simply supported rectangular piezoelectric plates

An exact three-dimensional solution for the problem of a simply supported rectangular homogeneous piezoelectric plate is obtained, in the framework of the linear theory of piezoelectricity. The plate is made of a transversely isotropic material, is earthed on the lateral boundary, and is subjected to prescribed surface charge and tractions on the end faces. The limit of this solution as the plate thickness aspect ration approaches zero is explicitly carried out. The analytical results obtained may constitute a reference case when developing or applying two-dimensional plate theories for the analysis of more complex piezoelectric problems. A numerical investigation in the case of a square uniformly loaded plate is also performed, in order to evaluate the influence of thickness-to-side ratio on the three-dimensional solution of the plate problem.