An evaluation of different piezoelectric materials for smart structural monitoring applications: the issue of structural integrity in the host structure and mechanical compatibility of embedded transducers

A two-dimensional, finite-element model has been developed for calculating the performance of an embedded, pre-encapsulated, plate transducer for generating So Lamb waves in a uni-directional carbon-fiber plate. For optimum performance, the plate must be centrally positioned and tolerance to deviations away from this point is dependent upon the design of the embedded transducer. Another model was used to predict the relative values of the inter-laminar stresses developed at the inter-faces of adjacent plies of the plate and the stress concentrations around the embedded device under a bending load.