Homogenization of Angular Piezoelectric Fiber Composites (PFRC): Robustness of Strength of Materials Approach vs 3D Finite Element Modeling

This paper examines the effective electromechanical behavior of Angular Piezoelectric Fiber Reinforced Composites (PFRC), adopting an analytical and numerical approach based on micromechanics. The goal is to examine the effect of the volume fraction of fibers ([Formula: see text]) and the angular orientation of fibers ([Formula: see text]) on the effective mechanical, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of such composites. This is accomplished through analytical derivations using the SM method with coordinate transformation considering inclined fibers within an inactive piezoelectric epoxy matrix. Such derivations are then verified through three-dimensional FEA of RVE conducted through ANSYS 14.0. Results suggest that while both the stiffness ([Formula: see text]) and permittivity ([Formula: see text]) vary linearly with [Formula: see text], the piezoelectric charge constant ([Formula: see text] ) c d has a nonlinear optimization point. In particular, the sensitivity is optimized to be 186 pC/N for a [Formula: see text] around 0.8, which outperforms that of the bulk PZT-5A ceramics. This study shows that designing the fiber structure can lead to enhanced electromechanical interactions that provide a high degree of control authority for use in smart structures, MEMS, and energy harvesting systems.