Abstract:
A selection of different 1-3 piezocomposite materials has been fabricated and tested. Each of the 1-3 piezocomposite materials that will be presented was fabricated by the Material Systems Inc. of Littleton, MA. The materials selection includes variations in volume content of piezoceramic, types of piezoceramic, host matrix materials of varying compliances and air-voided microballoon content, as well as the use of types of cover plates on the radiating surfaces. The acoustic measurements were conducted at both the Lake Gem Mary lake facility and the Anechoic Test Facility 1 (ATF1) of the Underwater Sound Reference Detachment in Orlando, FL. The presentation will include comparisons of free-field voltage sensitivities (FFVS) and transmitting voltage response (TVR) as well as directivity patterns. The measurements from ATF1 will also show the effects of hydrostatic pressure and temperatures of 4 (degrees) and 22 (degrees)C. The presentation will include a discussion of how specific 1-3 piezocomposite materials can be tailored to meet specific applications. [Work supported by Advanced Research Projects Agency and NSWC/Coastal Systems Station.]