The application of 1-3 piezocomposites in acoustic transducers

This review focuses the 1-3 piezocomposites, consisting of long thin rods of electrically active ceramic held parallel to each other by a passive matrix phase. Considered are situations where these piezocomposites function as true composite materials, that is, situations where all acoustic wavelengths are so large that the detailed structure is lost and the material may be considered as a new homogeneous medium with new effective material properties. Applications in naval sonar systems and medical ultrasonic imagers are illustrated with commercial product literature. Recent innovations highlighted include material fabrication techniques, finite-element modeling, and the use of electrostrictive ceramics