Finite Elemental Analysis of Functionality Graded Smart Composite Structures

Abstract

Composite materials and structures are finding wide acceptance because of their stiffness-to-weight ratio that is particularly favorable. The main drawback of laminated composites, which is the weakness of interfaces between adjacent layers known as delimitation phenomena, that may lead to structural failure has been partially overcome by developing a new class of materials named Functionally Graded Materials.Recently proposed (FGMs) have their various material properties vary through the thickness in a continuous manner and thus free from interface weakness, typical of laminated composites.
This project deals with the modeling of functionally graded doubly curved shells, with the material properties graded in the thickness direction. Finite element modeling based on first order shear deformation theory is used. The effect of grading on the deformation of the FGM shells in a given temperature boundary conditions has been studied. Focus has also been put on Elemental model for static analysis of smart functionally graded shells attached with distributed piezoelectric sensor and actuator. Eight noded element with five degrees of freedom per node, three translational and two rotations have been used. The electric field is applied in the thickness direction and assumed to be constant through the thickness. The electrical potential is assumed to be constant over the element. Also, effective coefficients of recently proposed Piezoelectric Fiber Reinforced Composite (PFRC) have been derived through micro-mechanical analysis. The strength of materials approach has been employed to predict the coefficients the static analysis of FGM shells has been done using this PFRC actuator.