Analytical modelling of 3-3 piezoelectric composites

A piezoelectric composite of the ‘3-3’ type consists of interpenetrating active piezoceramic and passive polymer phases. Applications for these materials include low frequency hydrophones, due to the improved properties and figures of merit under hydrostatic conditions. Previous research on analytical modelling 3-3 materials has considered polymer infiltrated equiaxed open pores in a piezoelectric ceramic and has assumed complete stress transfer of an applied load into the stiffer ceramic matrix. This research extends the analytical modelling of 3-3 piezocomposites to include the load experienced by the polymer phase. The model is a useful aid to fabricate and optimise piezocomposite 3-3 structures for specific applications.