A design for optimizing the hydrostatic performance of 1–3 piezocomposites

Abstract

Improvement in the hydrostatic performance of 1-3 piezocomposites can be obtained through amplification of the axial stress or reduction of the lateral stress in the piezoceramic phase. In the current work, a graded interlayer design is introduced which enables both reduction in lateral stress and axial stress amplification, simultaneously. The interlayer is stiffer at the edges of the rod to enhance load transfer and axial stress amplification and softer along the interior region of the rod to attenuate lateral stresses. The hydrostatic response of a composite with such a graded interlayer is evaluated using the finite-element method. The present graded interlayer design provides improved electromechanical coupling and greater design flexibility.