Piezoelectric materials are widely used in electronics as both sensors and actuators [1, 2]. When operating in their linear regime, these materials can accurately measure force by monitoring the voltage generated across their terminals [3]. However, crystals with a polar axis exhibit both pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties, meaning they generate polarization in response to both mechanical and thermal loads [4]. The thesis goal is to delve into the fundamentals of pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity, analyse the behaviour of these materials under operating conditions, and develop a predictive model for sensor performance under both mechanical and thermal stresses.
The work will be organised as follow:
• Literature review.
• Definition of the tests to be performed for sensor characterisation.
• Sensor predictive model development.
• Results analysis.
[1] Regtien, Dertien, Sensors for Mechatronics, 2018
[2] Fukuda, Menz, Micro mechanical systems principles and technology, 1998
[3] IEEE Standard on Piezoelectricity, ANSI/IEEE Std 176-1987
[4] Psarras, G. C., Fundamentals of Dielectric Theories, in: Dielectric Polymer Materials for High-Density Energy Storage.
For more information, please contact sergio.ferrero@polito.it, luciano.scaltrito@polito.it, valentina.bertana@polito.it
