Locking-free piezoelectric MITC plate and shell elements for smart structures applications

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Martin Kögl
• Subject Area: Mechanics
• Term: from 2002 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5369827

The increasing use of smart structures in modern engineering applications leads to a growing demand for Finite Element formulations than can be employed for structures that include thin piezoelectric layers. A number of piezoelectric plate and shell formulations can be found in recent literature, and they perform well in the particular cases for which they have been developed. However, these formulations are not suited for use in general purpose Finite Element programs due to their lack of generality: in many cases, they are sensitive to distortions and give inaccurate results in thin structures, since locking is treated inadequately. Also, most formulations assume only a linear variation of potential over thickness, so that the electric potential induced by the deformation is not taken into account. In the present project, Finite Element formulations for piezoelectric plates and shells shall be developed that remedy these defects. The aim is to obtain accurate and reliable elements that can be employed in a wide range of situations and are suitable for use in general purpose Finite Element programs. The elements performance will be thoroughly tested, and the formulations shall bei extended to laminate structures. A close cooperation with the smart structure reserach groups is intended so that the new elements can be tested in practical applications.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships