For improved flexibility and conformability of piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite actuator, it is reconstructed in a recent study by the use of short piezoelectric fibers (short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite) instead of continuous fibers (continuous piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite). This modification facilitates its application in short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite layer form instead of continuous piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite patch form particularly in case of host structures with highly curved boundary surfaces. But the corresponding change in actuation capability is a major issue for potential application of short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite that is studied in this work through the control of vibration of a functionally graded circular cylindrical shell under thermal environment. First, an arrangement of continuous piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite actuator patches over the host shell surface is presented with an objective of controlling all modes of vibration. Next, the use of short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite actuator layer for similar control activity is demonstrated through an arrangement of electrode patches over its surfaces. Subsequently, an electric potential function is assumed for the consideration of electrode patches and a geometrically nonlinear coupled thermo-electro-mechanical incremental finite element model of the harmonically excited overall functionally graded shell is developed. The numerical results reveal actuation capability of short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite actuator layer with reference to that of the existing continuous piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite/monolithic piezoelectric actuator patches. The effects of temperature, size of electrode patches, properties of piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite, and functionally graded properties on the control activity of short piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite/continuous piezoelectric fiber–reinforced composite actuator are also presented.
