Experimental Investigation of the Frequency‐Dependent Performance of Thermoplastic‐Compatible Piezoceramic Modules (TPM)

Abstract

Especially due the background of highly automated processes within the processing of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) structures with thermoplastic matrix systems, a wide field of functionally integrative lightweight construction solutions ready for mass production is developed. Furthermore, the layered texture in combination with the specific heating processes of the semi‐finished products enable a material‐homogeneous integration of flat sensors, respectively, actuators into such structures. Due to this, the development of functional elements which are tailored to process is of increasingly importance to generate a significant additional benefit for this material class. The developed thermoplastic‐compatible piezoceramic modules (TPM) are applicable for adhesive‐free integration into fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic structures within the forming process, which is realized by hot‐stamping or thermoforming. On the one hand such active composite parts is used for material integrated sensorial tasks, for example, for condition or structural health monitoring. On the other hand, actuator applications such as natural frequency manipulation or structural morphing are conceivable as application fields. The paper reports on the manufacturing process of TPM and the major‐signal behavior driven by the use of different functional layers using piezoactive fiber composites, respectively, piezoelectrical wafer material. In addition, the frequency‐dependent performance of the defined TPM is compared to commercially available flat transducers like Macro Fiber Composites (MFC, Smart Material GmbH) and DuraAct (PI Ceramic GmbH) actuators by means of voltage‐strain behavior driven by high‐voltage excitation at frequencies of 5, 50, and 500 Hz. Therefore, the use of an adapted high‐speed digital image correlation method is been applied. The aims of the investigations are to proof the functionality of novel TPM and to demonstrate the performance compared to common flat piezo transducers.