On the design of 1-3 piezocomposites using topology optimization

We use a topology optimization method to design 1-3 piezocomposites with optimal performance characteristics for hydrophone applications. The performance characteristics we focus on are the hydrostatic charge coefficient d spd h , the hydrophone figure of merit d spd h g spd h , and the electromechanical coupling factor k spd h . The piezocomposite consists of piezoelectric rods embedded in an optimal polymer matrix. We use the topology optimization method to design the optimal (porous) matrix microstructure. When we design for maximum d spd h and d spd h g spd h , the optimal transversally isotopic matrix material has negative Poisson’s ratio in certain directions. When we design for maximum k spd h , the optimal matrix microstructure is layered and simple to build.