Numerical models for the design of variable angle tow piezo-composite structures

The use of active materials, such as piezo-electric material, makes it possible to develop smart structures that can find application in different fields such as structural are strictly related to the dynamic response of the structure, that is, advanced materials can be used to increase the harvesting capability of the device. The present work explores the possibility to use variable angle tow composite, VAT, materials for the design of efficient active structures. Refined computational models have been considered to include the electromechanical coupling as well as the variable angle tow lay-up. The models have been assessed and the VAT materials have been used to improve the performances of the devices considered.