Efficient finite element with physical and electric nodes for transient analysis of smart piezoelectric sandwich plates

This paper presents an assessment of a recently developed quadrilateral element with four physical nodes and one electrical node, based on a coupled improved zigzag theory, for the transient response of smart sandwich plates with electroded piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The novel features of the element include the use of electric nodes to model the equipotential condition of the electroded surface of sensors and actuators, and the inclusion of the d ₃₃-effect on transverse deflection. The assessment is done for a skew plate in comparison with a converged three-dimensional finite element solution obtained using ABAQUS. The accuracy as well as the computational efficiency of the present element is highlighted.