Modeling and optimization of bistable composite laminates for piezoelectric actuation

Adaptive structures that allow large deformations under the application of a low and noncontinuous energy input are gaining increasing interest in the aerospace industry. One potential mechanism of realizing shape control is piezoelectric actuation of asymmetric composite laminates. This article presents an optimization study for the design of bistable laminates for a reversible snap-through enabled by two orthogonal piezoelectric layers. The formulation optimizes the load-carrying capability of the structure subject to deflection and actuation limits through a variation in ply orientations and laminate geometry. We find the problem to be multimodal with the multiple optima to be dependent on the loading and snap-through directions and the complex constraint boundary interactions. A reduction in the total actuation voltage is achieved through the simultaneous use of the positive and negative working ranges of the two piezoelectric layers.