Three-Dimensional Finite Elements for Analyzing Piezoelectric Structures

Abstract

A new set of finite elements recently implemented in the comnercially available ANSYSQ finite element program allow for the a nalysis of piezoelectric structures. This paper wi I I review the three-dimensional formulation of these finite elements which include coupling of the electroelastic equations of motion. Solution techniques used for electroelastic vibration and static analyses are detailed. shapes, natural frequencies, and frequency response curves on ultrasonic transducers and other d evices are compared with experimental data. Techniques for reduced .analysis through matrix condensation of structural and electric-potenti al degrees of freedom are presented and solutions are compared with full matrix s olutions and experimental data. Computational results from the full and reduced analyses are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data. The reduced analyses are shown to give accurate results at a fraction of the computational time needed for a full matrix ana I ysi s. Calculated de