Refined multilayered plate elements for coupled magneto-electro-elastic analysis

Finite elements for the analysis of multilayered plates subjected to magneto-electro-elastic fields are developed in this work. An accurate description of the various field variables has been provided by employing a variable kinematic model which is based on the Unified Formulation, UF. Displacements, magnetic and electric potential have been chosen as independent unknowns. Equivalent single layer and layer-wise descriptions have been accounted for. Plate models with linear up to fourth-order distribution in the thickness direction have been compared. The extension of the principle of virtual displacements to magneto-electro-elastic continua has been employed to derive finite elements governing equations. According to UF these equations are presented in terms of fundamental nuclei whose form is not affected by kinematic assumptions. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed elements as well as their capability, by choosing appropriate kinematics, to accurately trace the static response of laminated plates subject to magneto-electro-elastic fields