Dynamic Analysis of Distributed Piezothermoelastic Composite Plate Using First-Order Shear Deformation Theory

Equations governing the linear response of a piezothermoelastic plate based on Hamilton's principle and finite element methods with linear shape functions for a first-order shear deformation theory of laminated plates are outlined. The governing equations are solved using the time marching method. Numerical results are presented for cases of a prescribed thermal loading and the conventional active negative control piezoelectric analysis. Controlled and uncontrolled responses are compared graphically. The numerical studies demonstrate the importance of the thermal environment, as well as the effectiveness of active compensation of thermal deformations using piezoelectric structures. It is found that the displacements caused by temperature change are important in the precision sensing and control of distributed systems by piezoelectric materials.