Towards efficient integrated piezoelectric transducers for sensing, actuation and SHM

The present contribution investigates the piezoelectric performance of novel ceramic modules for SHM applications. The multilayer technique is used to embed piezoceramic plates into an encasement made of low temperature cofired ceramics, including electric wiring and electronics. With the help of finite element analyses, the piezoelectric properties are derived from static bending experiments using large signal electrical loads. A significantly increased piezoelectric coupling is found for the embedded piezoelectric elements compared to single elements. This finding is explained by the particular stress state in the embedded piezoelectric element due to the fabrication process.