Piezoelectric materials used in underwater acoustic transducers

Journal Article · Sat Jul 07 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Sensor Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1166/sl.2012.2597· OSTI ID:1047379

Li, Huidong; Deng, Zhiqun; Carlson, Thomas J

Piezoelectric materials have been used in underwater acoustic transducers for nearly a century. In this paper, we reviewed four different types of piezoelectric materials: piezoelectric ceramics, single crystals, composites, and polymers, which are widely used in underwater acoustic transducers nowadays. Piezoelectric ceramics are the most dominant material type and are used as a single-phase material or one of the end members in composites. Piezoelectric single crystals offer outstanding electromechanical response but are limited by their manufacturing cost. Piezoelectric polymers provide excellent acoustic impedance matching and transducer fabrication flexibility although their piezoelectric properties are not as good as ceramics and single crystals. Composites combined the merits of ceramics and polymers and are receiving increased attention. The typical structure and electromechanical properties of each type of materials are introduced and discussed with respect to underwater acoustic transducer applications. Their advantages and disadvantages are summarized. Some of the critical design considerations when developing underwater acoustic transducers with these materials are also touched upon.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1047379
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-84860; 400403209
• Journal Information: Sensor Letters, Journal Name: Sensor Letters Journal Issue: 3-4 Vol. 10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ACOUSTICS
CERAMICS
COST
DESIGN
FABRICATION
FLEXIBILITY
IMPEDANCE
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MONOCRYSTALS
POLYMERS
PZT ceramics
Single crystals
TRANSDUCERS
UNDERWATER
USES
Underwater acoustic transducers
acoustic telemetry
composites
hydrophones
piezoelectricity
polymers
transmitters