Electro-elastic analysis of functionally graded piezoelectric variable thickness cylindrical shells using a first-order electric potential theory and perturbation technique

In this research, an analytical solution is presented for the functionally graded piezoelectric cylindrical variable wall thickness that is subjected to mechanical and electrical loading. The non-homogeneous distribution of materials is considered as a power function. The first-order electric potential theory, first-order shear deformation theory, and the energy method are used for extracting the system of governing equations. The solution is accomplished using the matched asymptotic expansion method of the perturbation technique. The effects of non-homogeneous properties on the electromechanical are discussed. Since the intensity of variations in the distribution of properties in functionally graded piezoelectric cylinders can be changed using non-homogeneity constant, the electromechanical behavior of the cylinder can be changed by non-homogeneity constant. By reducing the electric or displacement field in functionally graded piezoelectric cylinders, de-polarization or loss of piezoelectric properties may be averted. Results indicate that non-homogeneity constant has a significant effect on the electromechanical behavior. However, in some cases, the effects of non-homogeneity constant may be neglected. Comparing these results with those predicted by the plane elasticity theory and finite element method shows good agreement. In fact, the present solution can be considered as an objective function to optimize the properties and behavior.