Numerical Studies on PZT-Bonded Aluminium Beam

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical study on the performance of a PZT (lead zirconate titanate)-bonded aluminium cantilever beam for both sensor and actuator configurations. The effect of varying the dimensions of PZT for two different cases of polarization direction is considered in the study. In case-1, polarization is along the length of PZT, and in case-2, polarization is across the thickness of PZT. The study is also extended for different configurations, types and locations of PZT. The results show that for case-1, the transverse displacement of the aluminium beam increases as the length of PZT decreases. No significant variation in displacement is noted by varying the width of PZT. Under different piezoelectric materials considered, PZT-5H showed maximum displacement. PZT, when located close to the support, showed maximum displacement and voltage response. The numerical results are also compared with one-dimensional analytical solutions and are found to be in good agreement.