Analysis of Smart Functionally Graded Beams combined with piezoelectric material using Finite Element Method

The present work devotes the static and vibration behaviour of Smart Functionally Graded (SFG) Beams combined with piezoelectric material. In this work, Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-4) is taken as the piezoelectric material which is commercially available. The efficiency of piezoelectric material integrated onto the functionally graded (FG) beams is evaluated. A finite element model is made for the FG beam combined with piezoelectric material considering first order theory (FSDT). The material properties of the FG beam is graded along the direction of its thickness following power law distribution method. Simulation models are also made employing finite element software (ANSYS) for the functionally graded beams. Different boundary conditions as well as and power law indexes are taken for analysis. Validation of results is presented with the results available in earlier research publications. Effects of gradation of material properties on static and dynamic behaviour of smart functionally graded beam are studied. Efforts are also made to examine the performance of piezoelectric patches towards control of deflections and vibrations.