Performance characteristics of piezocomposite bulk wave transducers

Abstract

<p>Piezoelectric ceramic/ polymer composite materials, possessing useful characteristics unobtainable in single phase materials, have been widely investigated over the past ten years. [1]. Their superior matching to low impedance media has been recognized by manufacturers of medical ultrasound and sonar equipment. However, so far as we know, they have received little attention in the field of non-destructive examination. It is evident that they offer superior performance for the inspection of low impedance media; including concrete, wood, fiber reinforced resin composites etc. A review of the types of composite available is presented together with results indicating achievable performance.</p>