Piezoelectric Ceramics with Functional Gradients: A New Application in Material Design

Internal strain amplification can be utilized in piezoelectric ceramics to obtain relatively large displacements. The monomorph described in the present work is a bending bar made from a single piece of material into which a smooth gradient of piezoelectric activity is introduced. The application of a voltage then causes the bar to bend due to the differential stresses that are induced. These are relatively uniformly distributed and do not peak in the center as in a conventional bimorph. Significantly increased life and reliability can then be achieved.