Most of the analysis techniques used on functionally graded piezoelectric plates consider the effects of through-thickness
strains since they can be significant in thick plates. Many practical applications of such plates, however,
are in the form of actuators which are not necessarily thick. A simple theory such as the classical lamination
theory can, therefore, provide useful estimates of in-plane deflections and stresses in thin and moderately thick
plates. This theory does not, however, directly accommodate material properties that change progressively and
it is desirable to develop a method with this capability. This paper presents such an approach, formulated as an
extension to classical lamination theory. Polynomial series are used to approximate the true through-thickness
variation in material properties and electric field strength. The resulting mathematical problem can be explicitly
formulated irrespective of the actual variation in these parameters. A comparison against results from an exact
three dimensional analysis demonstrates the use and accuracy of the method.
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