Optimization of asymmetric bimorphic disk transducers

Abstract

The dynamic and static characteristics of asymmetric bimorphic disk transducers that consist of a piezoelectric layer laminated with an unequal radius elastic disks are optimized. An electroelastic laminated plate theory is developed to analyze the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical behaviors. Close form solutions are obtained for the mechanical displacement and electric potential in terms of Bessel functions. Special focus is on the electromechanical coupling coefficients (EMCC) that are shown sensitive to geometric variables, such as thickness and radius ratios of the piezoelectric and elastic materials. Optimum configurations to reach the maximum values of the EMCC or static displacement sensitivity and influence of material and geometric properties are presented. Experiments are conducted to verify the theoretical results with good agreement.