A DESIGN FOR OPTIMIZING THE HYDROSTATIC PERFORMANCE OF 1-3-PIEZOCOMPOSITE

Improvement in the hydrostatic performance of 1-3 piezocomposites can be obtained through amplification of the axial stress or reduction of the lateral stress in the piezoceramic phase. In the current work, a g raded interlayer design is introduced which enables both reduction in lateral stress and axial stress amplification, simultaneously. The int erlayer is stiffer at the edges of the rod to enhance load transfer an d axial stress amplification and softer along the interior region of t he rod to attenuate lateral stresses. The hydrostatic response of a co mposite with such a graded interlayer is evaluated using the finite-el ement method. The present graded interlayer design provides improved e lectromechanical coupling and greater design flexibility.