Developments in thermopiezoelasticity with relevance to smart composite structures

A review of theoretical developments in thermopiezoelasticity having relevance to smart composite structures is presented. The equations governing linear response of piezothermoelastic media are outlined, and a general solution procedure based on potential functions is described. Sensor applications aimed at predicting thermal loads and corresponding responses from measurements of electric potential distributions are described; studies on the control of composite structures (beams, plates and shells) via piezoelectric actuation are reviewed.