Modeling of Single-Process 3D-Printed Piezoelectric Sensors with Resistive Electrodes: The Low-Pass Filtering Effect

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Material extrusion 3D printing allows single-process fabrication of dynamic piezoelectric sensors.
• This manufacturing method enables smart dynamic structures but faces challenges with electrode resistance in printed sensors.
• High electrode resistance limits the usable frequency range of 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors due to low-pass filtering effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an analytical model for calculating the usable frequency range of 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors with resistive electrodes.
• To determine the low-pass cutoff frequency and define the operational frequency limits of these sensors.
• To provide a method for designing the electrical and dynamic characteristics of single-process manufactured piezoelectric sensors.

Main Methods:

• Development of an analytical model to predict the usable frequency range based on sensor properties.
• Calculation of the low-pass cutoff frequency using the developed analytical model.
• Experimental investigation of the low-pass electrical cutoff frequency to validate the model.

Main Results:

• The analytical model accurately predicts the usable frequency range of 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors.
• Experimental results showed good agreement with the predictions from the analytical model.
• The study successfully identified the low-pass cutoff frequency limiting the sensor's performance.

Conclusions:

• An analytical model has been established for determining the usable frequency range of 3D-printed piezoelectric sensors.
• The model effectively addresses the limitations imposed by resistive electrodes in single-process manufacturing.
• This research facilitates the design of future intelligent dynamic systems manufactured via 3D printing.