The vibration control characteristics of smart composite structures with piezoelectric material have been inbestigated usinig finite element approach based on the shear deformatiion plate theory. We propose actuation(sensing) effectiveness of each element where piezoelectric material is bonded or embedded. The canti-levered plate with piezoelectric material is solved. It is found that the electrode near the fixed edge has larger actuation effect, and that for the torsional mode the actuation effects are ini phase along the diagonal direction so the electrode pattern along that direction would be more efficient for torsional vibration control.