Novel approach to make low cost, high density PZT phased array and its application in structural health monitoring

In this paper we present a cost effective method to fabricate flexible, high density piezoelectric tape, and explore its potential application as a new type of Lamb wave phased array for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) through simulating the Lamb wave propagation generated from single element and multi-element arrays. The piezoelectric tape consists of many patterned and densely packed PZT (lead zirconate titanate) elements sandwiched between two flexible films/foils. The PZT elements can have different shapes and distribution densities and can be addressed individually and/or by groups. The piezoelectric tape phased array can be easily integrated into various mechanical structures and has good conformability to curved surfaces.

Citation

Xu, B.; Buhler, S.; Littau, K. A.; Elrod, S. A.; Uckun, S.; Hafiychuk, V.; Smelyanskiy, V. Novel approach to make low cost, high density PZT phased array and its application in structural health monitoring. Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring; 2009 September 9-11; Stanford, CA. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications; 2009; 1042-1049.