This book introduces physical effects and fundamentals of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. It gives a comprehensive overview of piezoelectric materials such as quartz crystals and polycrystalline ceramic materials. Different modeling approaches and methods to precisely predict the behavior of piezoelectric devices are described. Furthermore, a simulation-based approach is detailed which enables the reliable characterization of sensor and actuator materials. One focus of the book lies on piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. An optical approach is presented that allows the quantitative determination of the resulting sound fields. The book also deals with various applications of piezoelectric sensors and actuators. In particular, the studied application areas are · process measurement technology, · ultrasonic imaging, · piezoelectric positioning systems and · piezoelectric motors. The book addresses students, academic as well as industrial reseachers and development engineers who are concerned with piezoelectric sensors and actuators.

This updated guide to the current state-of-the-art of this complex and multidisciplinary area fills an urgent need for a unified source of information on piezoelectric devices and their astounding variety of existing and emerging applications. New understandings underlying the principles of Piezoelectric Transducers, new technological advances in its applications, and new areas of utility for these transducers made a second edition of this book inevitable.

This book describes the application of piezoelectric materials, particularly piezoceramics, in the wide field of actuators and sensors. It gives a step-by-step introduction to the structure and mechanics of piezoelectric beam bending actuators in multilayer technology, which are of increasing importance for industrial applications. The book presents the suitability of the developed theoretical aspects in a memorable way.

This book offers an introduction to piezoelectric shells and distributed sensing, energy harvesting and control applications. It familiarizes readers with a generic approach of piezoelectric shells and fundamental electromechanics of distributed piezoelectric sensors, energy harvesters and actuators applied to shell structures. The book is divided into two major parts, the first of which focuses on piezoelectric shell continua, while the second examines distributing sensing, energy harvesting and control of elastic continua, e.g., shells and plates. The exploitation of new, advanced multifunctional smart structures and structronic systems has been one of the mainstream research and development activities over the years. In the search for innovative structronics technologies, piezoelectric materials have proved to be very versatile in both sensor and actuator applications. Consequently, the piezoelectric technology has been applied to a broad range of practical applications, from small-scale nano- and micro-sensors/actuators to large-scale airplane and space structures and systems. The book provides practicing engineers and researchers with an introduction to advanced piezoelectric shell theories and distributed sensor/energy harvester/actuator technologies in the context of structural identification, energy harvesting and precision control. The book can also be used as a textbook for graduate students. This second edition contains substantial new materials, especially energy harvesting and experimental components, and has been updated and corrected for a new generation of readers.

Research into and development of high-precision systems, microelectromechanical systems, distributed sensors/actuators, smart structural systems, high-precision controls, etc. have drawn much attention in recent years. These new devices and systems will bring about a new technical revolution in modern industries and impact future human life. This book presents a unique overview of these technologies such as silicon based sensors/actuators and control piezoelectric micro sensors/actuators, micro actuation and control, micro sensor applications in robot control, optical fiber sensors/systems, etc. These are four essential subjects emphasized in the book: 1. Survey of the (current) research and development; 2. Fundamental theories and tools; 3. Practical applications. 4. Outlining future research and development.

This book is a result of contributions of experts from international scientific community working in different aspects of piezoelectric materials and devices through original and innovative research studies. Through its 7 chapters the reader will have access to works related to the various applications of piezoelectric materials such as piezoelectric stacks in level sensors, pressure sensors, actuators for functionally graded plates, active and passive health monitoring systems, machining processes, nondestructive testing of aeronautical structures and acoustic wave velocity measurements. The text is addressed not only to researchers, but also to professional engineers, students and other experts in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial seeking to gain a better understanding of what has been done in the field recently, and what kind of open problems are in this area.

This edited work covers piezoelectric materials in the form of beams, plates, shells, and other structural components in modern devices and structures. Applications are frequency control and detection functions in resonators, sensors, actuators, oscillations, and other smart and intelligent structures. The products and technology are with us in our daily life through computers and communication devices. The contributions cover novel methods for the analysis of piezoelectric structures including wave propagation, high frequency vibration, material characterization, and optimization of structures. Understanding of these methods is increasingly important in the design and modelling of next generation devices and micro-structures with piezoelectric elements and effects.

This volume contains the proceedings of a workshop held in Melbourne, Australia, entitled "Coupling of Fluids, Structures and Waves in Aeronautics". The 22 papers deal with new computational methods for multi-disciplinary design in aeronautics. They are grouped into chapters on fluids, structures, electromagnetics, optimisation, mathematical methods and tools, and aircraft design. Several papers treat coupling of these themes in a multi-physics setting. Included is a 17-page report of a Round Table discussion entitled "Future Tools for Design and Manufacture of Innovative Products in the Aeronautics Industry", together with a summary of important themes and issues. This research promotes the advanced technologies necessary for continued development of efficient and environmentally sustainable transport systems.

This volume covers the various sensors related to automotive and aerospace sectors, discussing their properties as well as how they are realized, calibrated and deployed. Written by experts in the field, it provides a ready reference to product developers, researchers and students working on sensor design and fabrication, and provides perspective on both current and future research.