Design Optimization of Piezocomposites Using a Homogenization Model: From Analytical Model to Experimentation

In the process of activating non-conductive smart-structures using piezoelectric patches, one possible method is to add a conductive layer to ensure electrical contact of both electrodes of the ceramic. Therefore, depending on the stiffness and the thickness of this layer, changes in the overall piezoelectric properties lead to a loss in the electromechanical coupling that can be implemented. The purpose of this work is to study the impact of this added electrode layer depending on its thickness. A model of the effect of this layer on the piezoelectrical coefficients has been derived from the previous approach of Hashimoto and Yamagushi and successfully compared to experimental data. This global model computes the variation of all the piezoelectric coefficients, and more precisely of k31 or d31 for various brass electrode volumes relative to the ceramic volume. A decrease in the lateral electromechanical coupling factor k31 was observed and quantified. NAVY II PZT piezoelectric transducers were characterized using IEEE standard methods, with brass electrode thicknesses ranging from 50 to 400 microns. The model fits very well as shown by the results, leading to good expectations for the use of this design approach for actuators or sensors embedded in smart-structures.