Electromechanical analysis of an asymmetric piezoelectric/elastic laminate structure: theory and experiment

The electromechanical characteristics of an asymmetric piezoelectric/elastic laminated actuator are investigated by electroelasticity and experiments. The axial expansion-bending coupled motion of the system is separated into quasi-axial expansion and quasi-bending by its physical significance of vibration modes. General formulation of calculations for the mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical characteristics of the structure are presented via parametric analysis. Finally, the displacement sensitivity and the frequency response of displacement and electrical current are experimentally measured for this piezoelectric/elastic laminated specimen. Close agreement between theoretical and experimental results confirms the validity of the theory.