Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Investigating the Potential of Singly Curved Thin Piezoelectric Transducers for Energy Harvesting and Structural Health Monitoring
Published on: November 14, 2025
Modeling of a disk-type piezoelectric transformer.
1Mechanical Engineering Department, Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan. stho@cc.kuas.edu.tw
A new electromechanical model for disk-type piezoelectric transformers (PTs) was developed using vibration analysis and Hamilton's principle. This model accurately predicts PT performance, including efficiency and optimal load resistance, validated by experimental results.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Piezoelectric transformers (PTs) offer high voltage step-up capabilities.
- Accurate electromechanical modeling is crucial for optimizing PT performance.
- Existing models may not fully capture the dynamic behavior of disk-type PTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel electromechanical model for disk-type piezoelectric transformers.
- To analyze the vibration characteristics of piezoelectric disks.
- To simulate and predict the performance of piezoelectric transformers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vibration characteristics of piezoelectric disks under free boundary conditions.
- Derivation of electromechanical equations of motion using Hamilton's principle.
- Simulation of the coupled electromechanical system.
Main Results:
- The proposed model accurately predicts key performance metrics such as voltage step-up ratio, input/output impedance, power, and efficiency.
- Optimal load resistance and maximum efficiency for the PT were calculated.
- Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the theoretical model with good agreement.
Conclusions:
- The developed electromechanical model provides a reliable tool for designing and optimizing disk-type piezoelectric transformers.
- The model facilitates the prediction of PT performance and identification of optimal operating conditions.
- The study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining vibration analysis with Hamilton's principle for PT modeling.
Related Concept Videos
Transformers with Off-Nominal Turns Ratios
Faraday Disk Dynamo
Equivalent Circuits for Practical Transformers
In a practical transformer, each winding exhibits resistance and leakage reactance. The winding...
Electric Field of a Charged Disk
The system's symmetry is in the cylindrical directions across the plane of the charge. As a result, the electric fields created by various surface charge elements nullify each other in the direction parallel to the surface. Thereby, the resulting electric field is perpendicular to the plane. Since the disk is...
Three-Winding Transformers
In the per-unit equivalent circuit of a grounded Y-Y three-phase...
Modeling of Diode Forward Characteristics
