ABSTRACT A new piezoelectric composite transducer based on the ceramic honeycomb structure is introduced. The transducer is operated in the transverse piezoelectric (TP) d31 mode. The ceramic honeycomb configuration enables one to fabricate a TP honeycomb transducer by either embedding a honeycomb ceramic skeleton into a soft polymer matrix to form a composite or by blocking the openings of the honeycomb cells with thin layers of epoxy to form an end-capped honeycomb structure. With the unique honeycomb configuration and TP operation mode, the piezoelectric d33 response of the ceramic is nearly eliminated and the piezoelectric responses from the three orthogonal directions add together when the transducer is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure. As a result, the transducer exhibits exceptionally high hydrostatic piezoelectric response.
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