Finite Element Modeling of Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators based on Timoshenko Beam Theory

In this study, a new smart beam finite element is proposed for the finite element modeling of the beam-type smart structure with bonded plate-type piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Constitutive equations far the direct piezoelectric effect and converse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials are considered. By using the variational principle, the equations of motion for the smart beam finite element are derived. The presented 2-node beam finite element is isoparametric element based on Timoshenko beam theory. The validity of the proposed beam element is shown through comparing the analysis results of the verification examples with those of other previous researches. Therefore, by analyzing smart structures with smart beam finite elements, it is possible to simulate the control of the structural behavior by piezoelectric actuators with applied voltages and the monitoring of the structure behavior by piezoelectric sensors with sensed voltages.