An efficient coupled layerwise theory for static analysis of piezoelectric sandwich beams

An efficient one-dimensional model is developed for the statics of piezoelectric sandwich beams. Third-order zigzag approximation is used for axial displacement, and the potential is approximated as piecewise linear. The displacement field is expressed in terms of three primary displacement variables and the electric potential variables by satisfying the conditions of zero transverse shear stress at the top and bottom and its continuity at layer interfaces. The deflection field accounts for the piezoelectric transverse normal strain. The governing equations are derived using a variational principle. The present results agree very well with the exact solution for thin and thick highly inhomogeneous simply supported hybrid sandwich beams. The developed theory can accurately model open and closed circuit boundary conditions.