Laminated shells with actuation strains: general theory and applications

Summary

A general theory is proposed for laminated shells with integrated actuators. The theory incorporates dynamic effects and satisfies the compatibility condition of transverse shear stress at layer interfaces as well as on the top and bottom surfaces of the shells. The governing equations and the relevant boundary conditions are derived via Hamilton's principle. They contain only five unknown variables, as in the first-order shear-deformable shell theory. As an illustrative example, an infinitely long strip composed of a metallic layer mounted by two piezoelectric actuating layers is analysed. The results are compared with those predicted by some other existing models.