Activation and characterization of electro-mechanical coupling of piezoceramic components with regard to optimized use in smart structure applications

This contribution considers the complexity of the problems which have to be addressed if the polarization treatment of piezoceramic transducers is required to be part of the production chain of smart structures. In particular, the analysis is regulated to the development of series technologies of light metal and fiber reinforced composites, as considered in the Collaborative Research Centre PT-PIESA. The paper starts with an overview on functionalities that can be gained by integration of piezoelectric transducer elements into smart structures. It, then, shows the relevance of polarization for the piezoelectric performance and describes approaches to adjust polarization technology to series production. Finally, methods to characterize the induced remanent polarization are presented.