Characterization and evaluation of piezoelectric composite bimorphs for in-situ acoustic emission sensors

Mixed connectivity composites consisting of a ferroelectric ceramic powder of calcium modified lead titanate dispersed in a polymer matrix have been f abricated into piezoelectric bimorph sensors. The piezoelectric, dielectric and electromechanical coupling coefficients of these sensors have been mea sured and a full characterization of the electromechanical properties are r eported. The suitability of these bimorph transducers as in-situ acoustic e mission sensors, embedded into glass-epoxy laminate plate like structures, has been investigated. A comparison of the performance of these sensors to those of previously investigated monomorph sensors fabricated from the same material has been made.