Piezoelectric materials used in underwater acoustic transducers
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 Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1047379
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-84860; 400403209; TRN: US201216%%238
- Journal Information:
- Sensor Letters, Vol. 10, Issue 3-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ACOUSTICS
CERAMICS
COST
DESIGN
FABRICATION
FLEXIBILITY
IMPEDANCE
MANUFACTURING
MATERIALS
MONOCRYSTALS
POLYMERS
TRANSDUCERS
UNDERWATER
USES
Underwater acoustic transducers
hydrophones
transmitters
piezoelectricity
PZT ceramics
Single crystals
composites
polymers
acoustic telemetry