A Methodology for Reconstructing Source Properties of a Conical Piezoelectric Actuator Using Array-Based Methods.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Physics
• Geophysics

Background:

• Conical piezoelectric transducers are used in various applications, including non-destructive testing (NDT).
• Accurate force quantification from these transducers is crucial for reliable material characterization.
• Existing methods may have limitations in precisely determining the force-time function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the force produced by a conical piezoelectric transducer actuated by high voltage pulses (HVP).
• To estimate the shape of the force-time function using elastic wave propagation theory.
• To validate the methodology against direct force measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized elastic wave propagation theory in a semi-infinite plate model.
• Employed an array of 20 calibrated piezoelectric (PZT) receivers to record displacement fields.
• Calibrated receiver array using glass capillary fracture before active source generation.

Main Results:

• Successfully estimated force-time functions for impulsive and step HVPs.
• Peak force estimates were approximately $$ N for impulsive and $$ N for step sources at 273 V.
• Methodology showed good agreement with direct dynamic force transducer measurements, with limitations for incident angles > 53°.

Conclusions:

• The developed method quantitatively determines forces from active PZT sources using displacement field measurements.
• This approach is valuable for constraining transfer function models in NDT, rock physics, and laboratory seismology.
• Understanding active PZT source forces enhances the accuracy and reliability of various scientific and engineering applications.