Minimizing heat generation in a piezoelectric Langevin transducer

High power Langevin piezoelectric transducers have large dielectric and piezoelectric losses. Most of these losses are converted into accumulating internal heat that increases the temperature of the transducer. In this paper we analyze how to minimize heat generation and reduce temperature of the transducer. The modification of transducer design is proposed by separating piezoceramic elements and adding a metal block between the elements. Analytical and numerical modeling of the Langevin transducer was carried out to find the dependence of the oscillation amplitudes and temperatures on the location of the separated piezoceramic elements and thermal properties of the additional metal part. Two prototypes of the Langevin transducer with two different locations of the piezoceramic elements were fabricated. Measurements of the vibration amplitudes of the contact point and temperature distribution along the transducers were done. Measurement results are compared with the numerical results.