The study of piezoelectric devices with Thévenin´s Theorem

This work presents a study of the behavior of piezoelectric devices based on a modified Thévenin´s equivalent electric circuit. It aims to characterize piezoelectric devices using electric network theory and to complement the instruction of Thévenin´s Theorem in classes about electric circuits. The employed approach allows us to outline the most important concepts of operation of the piezoelectric transducers. The manner for obtaining the equivalent electric circuit and a simple experimental procedure are presented. The work shows that Thévenin´s Theorem, commonly taught in electric circuits classes, can be used for evaluating of piezoelectric devices. The methodology employed in this work facilitates the comprehension of the physical principles of the piezoelectric elements.