A thin piezoelectric hexahedron finite element applied to design of smart continua

Abstract Smart continua with integrated sensor/actuator for structural sensing and control have drawn much attention in recent years. This paper is devoted to a thin piezoelectric hexahedron finite element development with applications to “smart” continua — an elastic plate laminated with segmented distributed piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Hamilton's principle and variational equation are used to derive the thin piezoelectric hexahedron element. Eigenvalue analysis, distributed sensing, feedback control are also formulated. A proportional feedback-constant gain-feedback control is implemented in the finite element program. A square plate with four-pair colocated segmented distributed sensors and actuators is studied. Distributed control of the plate is evaluated. Finite element results are closely compared with analytical solutions.