Application of optimisation techniques to finite element analysis of piezocomposite devices

This paper describes the issues surrounding the use of mathematical optimisation techniques in the finite element (FE) analysis of piezoelectric devices. From its first application to piezoelectric problems in the 1980s, FE modelling has grown to encompass full devices and broadband behaviour, capable of accurately modelling device response. Typical use of such modelling in industrial settings involves the analysis of pre-determined designs, or parameter sweeps varying such things as thicknesses or materials. While this is a viable option for small numbers of parameters, parameter space rapidly increases to encompass an unfeasibly large number of simulations. A more intelligent search method is therefore needed, and a variety of optimisation techniques have been studied over the years. We present a background to optimisation techniques, the advantages and disadvantages, and an implementation of a technique based on PRAXIS to FE modelling package PZFlex.