Reliability of Euler-Bernoulli Model for Multilayer Composite Piezoelectric Beams

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate to what extent a simplified mathematical Euler-Bernoulli model can be used for assessing the parameters of piezoelectric stratified structures. A generalized Euler-Bernoulli model is presented, applied to a composite beam structure integrating piezoelectric layers. The model was particularised for a cantilever beam, fixed constrained at one end and with actuation at the other. The linearity conditions of the model have been determined, being applied for the study of structures with two active layers and a central resistance layer. The values obtained for beam tip deflection and mechanical stress are compared to several FEM models of the multilayer beam. The parallel study was conducted in order to estimate the correctness of the analytic results and to see if this broadly used model is reliable enough to evaluate accurately the parameters of a three-layer piezoelectric cantilever beam.