Understanding piezoelectric composite–based actuators with nonlinear and 90 domain walls effects

Piezoelectric materials possess nonlinear behavior when actuated in a large electric field and show a large deflection when embedded inside a composite laminate such as a LIghtweight Piezoelectric Composite Actuator. Linear and nonlinear COMSOL multi-physics finite element models were developed and validated using the actuation response of three...

Switchable static friction of piezoelectric composite—silicon wafer contacts

The meso-scale surface roughness of piezoelectric fiber composites can be manipulated by applying an electric field to a piezocomposite with a polished surface. In the absence of an applied voltage, the tips of the embedded piezoelectric ceramic fibers are below the surface of the piezocomposite and a silicon wafer counter surface rests solely...

Modeling and characterization of dielectrophoretically structured piezoelectric composites using piezoceramic particle inclusions with high aspect ratios + Erratum

In this work, the piezoelectric properties at high electric fields of dielectrophoretically aligned PZT—polymer composites containing high aspect ratio particles (such as short fibers) are presented. Polarization and strain as a function of electric field are evaluated. The properties of the composites are compared to those of PZT-polymer...

Dielectrophoretically structured piezoelectric composites with high aspect ratio piezoelectric particles inclusions

Piezoelectric composites were prepared by dielectrophoretic alignment of high aspect ratio piezoelectric particles in a thermosetting polymer matrix. A high level of alignment was achieved in the cured composite from a resin containing randomly oriented high aspect ratio particles. Upon application of an electric field during curing of the resin...

Characterization and Design of a Readout Circuit for a Piezoelectric-based Acoustic Disdrometer

In 2009, Department of Water Management (DWM) at TU Delft conceptualized the design of a low-cost disdrometer suitable for large scale, remote deployment. But, being a novel idea, its electrical characteristics were not well researched. Also, the system was not sensitive enough to measure the raindrops of diameter less than 0.9mm. Furthermore,...

A versatile low-temperature setup for the electrical characterization of single-molecule junctions

We present a modular high-vacuum setup for the electrical characterization of single molecules down to liquid helium temperatures. The experimental design is based on microfabricated mechanically controllable break junctions, which offer control over the distance of two electrodes via the bending of a flexible substrate. The actuator part of the...