Micromechanical RVE Model Application for Generalization of Smart Composite Laminate Structures with Thermoelastic Characteristics

A generalization of the piezoelectric composite laminate plate model is investigated. To avoid depending on experimentally determined moduli, a micromechanical model based on the Reduced Volume Element (RVE) was used to calculate the effective moduli of the composite. This study applies the finite element method (FEM) based on the First-order Shear Deformation Theory of Plates (FSDTP). To validate the accuracy of the model, the overall deflection under various loads, voltages, temperatures, and dynamic pressures are calculated with both mechanical moduli. Nonlinear analysis is performed through the Newton-Raphson Iterative method. Furthermore, the active control of the plate with the piezoelectric layers is presented through the transient response using the Newmark method. In all cases, the micromechanical model was in good agreement with the experimental model. Also, an improved shear correction factor (SCF) was implemented to allow for further generalizations in the context of composite plate structures. The factors are shown with various ply-angles of the composite layer. Additionally, the application of Macro-Fiber Composites (MFC) piezoelectric layers instead of isotropic piezoelectric layers is investigated.