Boundary element method (BEM) is a powerful computational tool for analysing piezoelectric problems. The BEM has been so well developed during the past 40 years that it has been considered as a very popular computational tool. This method consists of formulating the engineering problem in terms of an integral equations relating only boundary values and determining its solutions numerically. Thu...

We use a first-principles rational-design approach to demonstrate the potential of semiconducting half-Heusler compounds as a previously unrecognized class of piezoelectric materials. We perform a high-throughput scan of a large number of compounds, testing for insulating character and calculating structural, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties. Our results provide guidance for the experim...

The combination of the piezoelectric materials and polymer is an effective way to make the piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) possess both the polymer's good flexibility and ferroelectric material's high piezoelectric coefficient. The volume ratio of ferroelectric material in the composite is an important factor that determines the PENG's output performance. In this paper, the BaTiO₃/polydimeth...

Certain materials produce electric charges on their surfaces as a consequence of applying mechanical stress. The induced charges are proportional to the mechanical stress. This is called the direct piezoelectric effect and was discovered in quartz by Piere and Jacques Curie in 1880. Materials showing this phenomenon also conversely have a geometric strain proportional to an applied electric fie...

This paper presents a comparative study of pressure-sensitive sensor materials being suitable for monitoring purposes in pressure mapping sensor networks. Four sensor materials working on piezoresistive, piezoelectric, quasi-piezoelectric and capacitive principle have been discussed including the built-up, the working principle, the manufacturing and the most important properties. Additionally,...

We have developed a soft-material elastic modulus and shear modulus sensor using piezoelectric cantilevers. A piezoelectric cantilever is consisted of a highly piezoelectric layer, e.g., lead– zirconate–titanate bonded to a nonpiezoelectric layer, e.g., stainless steel. Applying an electric field in the thickness direction causes a piezoelectric cantilever to bend, generating an axial displacem...

A new piezoelectric-based mechanism was proposed, modeled and tested. This mechanism was basically designed to be periodically excited while in contact with a driven surface. Two piezoelectric elements located by the angle of 901 relative to each other are used to create elliptical motion on tip of the mechanism depending on the applied phase difference. In order to ensure the designated ellipt...

A new multi-objective topology optimization method is proposed in this study for systematic design of multi-phase piezoelectric actuators. The actuator under consideration is composed of a compliant host structure equipped with piezoelectric elements, where the host structure serves as a compliant amplifier to enlarge the small stroke output generated by the actuation force of piezoelectric mat...

A number of materials have recently been developed specifically for advanced ultrasound applications. These are high-density ceramics, fine grain ceramics, high dielectric constant ceramics, and single crystal piezoelectrics. Improvements in properties resulting from these materials range from greater strength and improved machinability to increased transducer element capacitance and coupling. ...