• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2017

A $C^0$ FE model developed based on an efficient higher order zigzag theory is used for hygrothermal analysis of laminated composite plates. The $C^0$ FE model satisfies the inter-laminar shear stress continuity at the interfaces and zero transverse shear stress conditions at plate top and bottom. In this model the first derivatives of transverse displacement have been treated as independent variables to circumvent the problem of $C^1$ continuity associated with the above plate theory. In the present theory the above mentioned $C^0$ continuity of the present element is compensated in the stiffness matrix formulation by using penalty parameter approach. In order to avoid stress oscillations observed in the displacement based finite element, the stress field derived from temperature/moisture fields (initial strains) must be consistent with total strain field. Special steps are introduced by field consistent approach (e.g., sampling at gauss points) to compensate this problem. A nine noded $C^0$ continuous isoparametric element is used in the proposed FE model. Comparison of present numerical results with other existing solutions shows that the proposed FE model is efficient, accurate and free of locking.

• International Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2016

A trigonometric Layerwise higher order shear deformation theory (TLHSDT) is developed and implemented for free vibration and buckling analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates by analytical and finite element formulation. The present model assumes parabolic variation of out-plane stresses through the depth of the plate and also accomplish the zero transverse shear stresses over the surface of the plate. Thus a need of shear correction factor is obviated. The present zigzag model able to meet the transverse shear stress continuity and zigzag form of in-plane displacement continuity at the plate interfaces. Hence, botheration of shear correction coefficient is neglected. In the case of analytical method, the governing differential equation and boundary conditions are obtained from the principle of virtual work. For the finite element formulation, an efficient eight noded $C^0$ continuous isoparametric serendipity element is established and employed to examine the dynamic analysis. Like FSDT, the considered mathematical model possesses similar number of variables and which decides the present models computationally more effective. Several numerical predictions are carried out and results are compared with those of other existing numerical approaches.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.6 no.8
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• pp.921-938
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• 2010

Most of studies on control of beams containing piezoelectric sensors and actuators have been based on linear quadratic regulator (LQR) with state feedback or output feedback law. The aim of this study is to develop velocity-acceleration feedback law in the optimal control of smart piezoelectric beams. A new controller which is an optimal control system with velocity-acceleration feedback is presented. In finite element modeling of the beam, the variation of mechanical displacement through the thickness is modeled by a sinus model that ensures inter-laminar continuity of shear stress at the layer interfaces as well as the boundary conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the beam. In addition to mechanical degrees of freedom, one electric potential degree of freedom is considered for each piezoelectric element layer. The efficiency of this control strategy is evaluated by applying to an aluminum cantilever beam under different loading conditions. Numerical simulations show that this new control scheme is almost as efficient as an optimal control system with state feedback. However, inclusion of the acceleration in the control algorithm increases practical value of a system due to easier and more accurate measurement of accelerations.