Simulation of piezoelectric effect in Nastran: Experimental and analytical estimation of dynamic response of a circular plate

Abstract

Smart materials and structures are extensively used in various engineering fields including aerospace, heavy engineering, civil engineering and domestic appliances. Of the various smart materials piezo electrics are widely used for both sensing and actuation applications. Currently, only a few general-purpose softwares are available with built-in smart element (piezo) capability. It is possible to use other software as well, by using initial strain concepts. This paper brings out the simulation of the piezoelectric effect in ID and 2D NASTRAN elements. The concept of thermal strain (or equivalent force) is used to simulate the strain generated by the piezo element in NASTRAN elements. Using this principle, the dynamic response of a circular plate excited by a piezo crystal is obtained and the present solutions are compared with the experimental results.