One-dimensional theoretical solution and two-dimensional numerical simulation for functionally-graded piezoelectric cantilever beams with different properties in tension and compression

Abstract

The existing studies indicate polymers will present obviously different properties in tension and compression (bimodular effect) which is generally ignored because of the complexity of the analysis. In this study, a functionally graded piezoelectric cantilever beam with bimodular effect was investigated via analytical andnumerical methods, respectively, in which a one-dimensional theoretical solution was derived by neglecting some unimportant factors and a two-dimensional numerical simulation was performed based on the model of tension-compression subarea. Afull comparison was made to show the rationality of one-dimensional theoretical solution and two-dimensional numerical simulation. The result indicates that the layered model of tension-compression subarea also makes it possible to use numerical technique to simulate the problem of functionally graded piezoelectric cantilever beam with bimodular effect. Besides, the modulus of elasticity E* and the bending stiffness D* proposed in the one-dimensional problem may succinctly describe the piezoelectric effect on the classical mechanical problem without electromechanical coupling, which shows the advantages of one-dimensional solution in engineering applications, especially in the analysis and design of energy harvesting/sensing/actuating devices made of piezoelectric polymers whose bimodular effect is relatively obvious.