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Investigating the Potential of Singly Curved Thin Piezoelectric Transducers for Energy Harvesting and Structural Health Monitoring
Published on: November 14, 2025
Modelling nonlinearity in piezoceramic transducers: From equations to nonlinear equivalent circuits.
D Parenthoine1, L-P Tran-Huu-Hue, L Haumesser
1Laboratoire Imagerie et Cerveau, Equipe 6: Caracterisation Ultrasonore et Piezoelectricite, Universite Francois Rabelais de Tours, Ecole Nationale d'Ingenieurs du Val de Loire, Rue de la Chocolaterie, BP 3410, 41034 Blois Cedex, France. denis.parenthoine@univ-tours.fr
Ultrasonics
|September 22, 2010
Summary
This study models the nonlinear response of piezoelectric transducers using perturbation theory. The findings enable accurate prediction of nonlinear behavior, including acoustic loads, via equivalent electrical circuits.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers are crucial for various applications.
- Understanding their nonlinear response is essential for accurate performance prediction.
- Existing models may not fully account for acoustic loads and complex media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive quadratic nonlinear equations for piezoelectric elements under 1D vibration and weak nonlinearity.
- To represent the nonlinear response using controlled sources added to the classical hexapole model.
- To develop generalized nonlinear equivalent electrical circuits for predicting transducer behavior.
Main Methods:
- Perturbation theory was employed to derive the nonlinear equations.
- The nonlinear response was modeled by incorporating controlled sources.
- Equivalent electrical circuits were developed to include acoustic loads and passive layers.
- Second harmonic generation experiments were conducted on a coupled resonator.
Main Results:
- The nonlinear response of piezoelectric transducers can be effectively modeled with controlled sources.
- Equivalent electrical circuits accurately predict nonlinear responses, considering acoustic loads.
- The proposed generalized circuits accommodate passive layers and propagation media.
- Experimental results for second harmonic generation align with theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a robust framework for analyzing nonlinear piezoelectric transducer behavior.
- Equivalent electrical circuits offer a powerful tool for predicting performance under various acoustic conditions.
- The study advances the understanding and modeling of nonlinear acoustics in piezoelectric devices.
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