Mechanical and electrical behaviors of functionally graded piezoelectric curved bars

In this study, a mathematical model which describes the mechanical and electrical behaviors of functionally graded piezoelectric curved bar is developed. First, this model is used for the deformation analysis of a bar designed as "actuator". The numerical results are compared with those of the models for bimorph and functionally graded actuators in the literature. The mathematical model is then solved for a functionally graded piezoelectric curved bar behaving as a "sensor", fixed at one end; the other end is under pure bending moment. Distribution of stresses, electric potential and displacement components which are developed in the sensor are presented in figures. The results for bimorph and graded sensors are compared.