THE TRANSIENT PIEZOELECTRIC RESPONSE OF IMPACT LOADED PZT CERAMICS

Samples of commercially produced, poled lead zirconate titanate piezoceramics were subject to impact loading by a free falling striker. Samples were sandwiched in-between a split Hopkinson pressure bar which allowed for characterisation of the tailored, planar strain wave, 20-80mus in duration. The piezoceramic was discharged onto a relatively large capacitor ie:under short-circuit conditions. From these data, a value of the piezoelectric charge coefficient, d33 was derived and compared with that derived via the conventional method. Early results indicate that values obtained from the impact rig are substantially higher than those quoted in manufacturers data. It is proposed to analyse a range of materials in an effort to predict behaviour in relation to impact duration, magnitude and resulting deterioration of poling.