The influence of constructional parameters on the practical performance of 1-3 piezocomposite transducers

The design of 1-3 piezocomposite transducers may be considered in two parts. Materials selection and orientation, and the interaction of the piezoceramic element with the polymer phase constitute the device micro-structure. Constructional, or macro-structure, parameters such as transducer mounting and clamping, ground plane definition and the addition of front face layers further influence the transducer response. In addition, when 1-3 piezocomposite substrate is electroded in such a manner as to define a monolithic 1D or 2D matrix array of transducers, the element size and distribution exerts considerable influence on inter element coupling, and consequently overall device performance. This paper presents an investigation into the design of 1-3 piezocomposites, with regard to their macrostructure parameters