1. Introduction

In this book, generic double-curvature piezoelectric shell theories are derived; generic distributed structural sensing, identification, energy harvesting and vibration control theories of a generic deep shell continuum are presented. Open and closed-loop dynamic system equations and state equations of piezoelectric structronic systems are formulated. Simple reduction procedures are proposed and applications to other common geometries and structures are demonstrated in case studies. The revised book not only corrected typos and minor mistakes, but also added new chapters on optimal control of parabolic shells and energy harvesting of shells, including both theoretical and experimental aspects. Furthermore, laboratory and experimental components are added to, almost, all chapters on distributed sensing, energy harvesting and control of shell and non-shell structures and structronic systems. Note that performances of piezoelectric sensors/harvesters/actuators are restricted by breakdown voltages, hysteresis effects, limited strain rates, etc. These material properties need to be further improved in order to enhance the sensor/actuator performance and efficiency. Also, laboratory experiments were carried out over time; different materials with various dielectric constants from different venders were used in various studies presented in newly added Chaps. 10–12. Extreme care should be taken when repeating those studies. It should be pointed out that all piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensing/control and energy harvesting theories are based on a symmetrical hexagonal piezoelectric structure—class C_6v = 6 mm. Extension of these theories to more generic piezoelectric materials, such as a triclinic structure, would make them even more comprehensive and versatile. Besides, the temperature effect, e.g., the pyroelectricity and thermal induced stress/strains, is not considered in all studies; it should be considered when a working environment has significant temperature variations.