Exact solutions for dynamic analysis of composite plates with distributed piezoelectric layers

Abstract Exact solutions are presented for analyzing dynamics of composite plates with piezoelectric layers bonded at the top and the bottom surfaces. The expressions for mechanical displacements, stresses, electric displacements and potential are derived from constitutive relations and field equations for the piezoelectric medium under applied surface traction and electric potential. The procedure is illustrated with a simply supported symmetric cross-ply (0°/90°/0°) graphite–epoxy composite plate covered with piezoelectric material polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Results are in good agreement with those obtained from finite element model.