Monolithic class IV type flextensional transducers

In this study new type piezoelectric monolithitic low cost underwater and biomedical transducers based on Class IV flextensional transducer design has been introduced. Transducers were produced by using two techniques: fused deposition and extrusion. Besides, finite element analysis (FEA) was used extensively in order to optimize transducer design to achieve broad bandwidth for both transmitting and receiving and engineered vibration modes. Class IV transducers possess resonance frequencies in the range of above 30 kHz to below 150 kHz. Symmetry and design of the transducer, poling patterns, driving and receiving electrode geometries and driving conditions have strong effect on the vibration modes, resonance frequencies.