Static Response Analysis of a Hybrid Beam with Variable Piezo Layer Thicknesses Under Thermal Loads

Static response analysis of a hybrid beam is presented under thermal loads. The zigzag theory-based 1D finite element model is being used for the analysis. Laminated composite and sandwich beams with surface-bonded piezoelectric layers are considered as the problem beams. Influence of piezoelectric layer thickness on axial and across the thickness distribution of temperature and static response parameters is presented for thermal load cases with sinusoidal axial variation. The problem beams are also modelled as 2D deformable shell in ABAQUS. Sequential heat transfer and static analysis steps are used to obtain the distribution of displacements and stresses under thermal loads. 1D-FE results for clamped-clamped and clamped-free end conditions are matched with 2D-FE results.