A sub-layer model for a thick piezoelectric patch bonded on elastic substrate

Summary.

In this paper, the two-dimensional electromechanical coupling problems that a piezoelectric patch of finite size bonded to an elastic substrate are considered. A subdivision model that the single physical piezoelectric layer is mathematically divided into a number of thinner layers is proposed to analyze the electromechanical responses of the structures. Within each virtual sub-layer of the piezoelectric patch the electric displacement and normal stress in the axial direction are assumed to be linear functions of the thickness coordinate. Hellinger-Reissner variational principle for elasticity is extended to the systems of piezoelectric multi-materials. The governing equations that comprise one-dimensional differential equations and integro-differential equations are rigorously derived from the stationary conditions of the variational functional along with substitution of the assumed electromechanical fields. The subdivision model satisfies all mechanical and electric continuity conditions across the virtual interfaces and the physical interface of piezoelectrics/substrate. The numerical solutions of the governing equations are conducted, and the convergence of the subdivision model is demonstrated.