Methodology for electro mechanical simulation of piezoelectric ceramics

Abstract

In this paper a design methodology of components with piezoelectric elements, as active or movement generators, is presented. In recent years the development of smart structures that use piezoelectric sensors and actuators has increased to obtain the desired mechanical behaviour.

Simulation is a widely used tool in the designing of products that allows a better understanding of the model behaviour, and a reduction of the number of prototypes. This leads to a reduction in costs and development time, and increases competitiveness.

The Acoustics and Vibrations Department of the CIDAUT Foundation along with the Electroceramics Department of ICV have developed a methodology for the simulation of piezoelectric elements that takes into account their electrical and mechanical properties using a general finite element software. Numerical results have been correlated with experimental results.