Nonlinear coupled mechanics and initial buckling of composite plates with piezoelectric actuators and sensors

The nonlinear mechanics for piezoelectric laminates and plates is presented, including nonlinear effects due to large displacements and rotations. The mechanics is incorporated into the piezoelectric mixed-field laminate theory. Using this mechanics, a nonlinear finite-element method and an incremental solution are formulated for the nonlinear analysis of adaptive plate structures. An eight-node-plate finite element is developed. The mechanics is applied to predict the buckling of piezoelectric plates induced by combined electromechanical loading. Application cases quantify the mechanical buckling of composite beams and plates with piezoelectric sensors, the piezoelectric buckling of active beams and plates, and the feasibility of active buckling compensation.