Novel approach to make low cost, high density PZT phased array and its application in structural health monitoring

Abstract

In this paper we present a cost effective method to fabricate flexible, high density piezoelectric tape, and explore its potential application as a new type of Lamb wave phased array for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) through simulating the Lamb wave propagation generated from single element and multi-element arrays. The piezoelectric tape consists of many patterned and densely packed PZT (lead zirconate titanate) elements sandwiched between two flexible films/foils. The PZT elements can have different shapes and distribution densities and can be addressed individually and/or by groups. The piezoelectric tape phased array can be easily integrated into various mechanical structures and has good conformability to curved surfaces.