Finite element analysis of piezoelectric stack transducer embedded in asphalt pavement

This work investigated that the mechanical and electrical behavior of PZT disk stacks embedded in asphalt pavement using a finite element analysis program. The stacks were composed with PZT disks with different thickness and diameter and connected in parallel. At first, the displacement difference of pavement surface with and without transducer was studied. The nylon was selected to fabricate cylindrical package box from four kinds of materials. The voltage of stack transducer increased with the increase of the diameter and thickness of nylon cover, and decreased with the increase of the diameter of PZT disks and embedment depth. Considering pavement surface displacement, the voltage, cost and durability of transducer, the stack transducer with 8 mm of diameter and 1mm of thickness of PZT disks, 10 mm of thickness and 42 mm of diameter of nylon cover were suggested as optimal one for harvesting mechanical energy from asphalt pavement.