Influence of 1-3 piezocomposite fabrications on lateral modes

Properties of 1-3 piezocomposites with periodic structure were characterized. This material can be typically fabricated in using the ”dice and fill” method (DFM) and two phases were used (PMN-34.5PT ceramic and epoxy resin). The corresponding numerical simulations allowed to study the influence of spurious lateral modes on electromechanical performance of the thickness mode. This was performed in calculating the bandwidth and the sensitivity of the piezocomposite in water (emission-reception) in the frequency range 1-5 MHz. Moreover, three ceramic volume fractions between 25% and 60% were used. Finally, a comparison of these results with those obtained with a pseudo-periodic 1-3 piezocomposite was made. This composite can be fabricated by a lamination technique (LMT) and the use of a pseudo-periodic structure leads to a minimized effect of the lateral modes (confirmed on the simulated electrical impedance). Thanks to these results an optimum structure was discussed.