ON THE DESIGN OF 1-3-PIEZOCOMPOSITES USING TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION

We use a topology optimization method to design 1-3 piezocomposites wi th optimal performance characteristics for hydrophone applications. Th e performance characteristics we focus on are the hydrostatic charge c oefficient d(h)(()), the hydrophone figure of merit d(h)((*))g(h)((*) ), and the electromechanical coupling factor k(h)(()). The piezocompo site consists of piezoelectric rods embedded in an optimal polymer mat rix. We use the topology optimization method to design the optimal (po rous) matrix microstructure. When we design for maximum d(h)(()) and d(h)(())g(h)((*)) the optimal transversally isotopic matrix material has negative Poisson's ratio in certain directions. When we design for maximum k(h)(()), the optimal matrix microstructure is layered and s imple to build.