Piezoelectric effect process When the piezoelectric material is mechanically stressed, positively and
negatively charged ions begin to shift their position within the material. The result of this process is an
external electric field. If this process is reversed, the piezoelectric crystal will expand in the same electric
field.
When the piezoelectric crystal is squeezed, electricity is generated. The piezoelectric effect is caused by
the stress on the piezoelectric crystal. The
piezo crystals are placed between two parallel metal plates. When a crystal is crushed by mechanical
stress, it produces electricity.
Reverse piezo effect process When an electric energy is applied to expand a crystal, an inverse
piezoelectric effect occurs. The main use of the inverse piezoelectric effect is to convert electrical energy
into mechanical energy.
Piezoelectric material A variety of piezoelectric materials are available, some of which are natural and
some of which are artificial. These materials exhibit a wide range of piezoelectric effects.
A list of various natural piezoelectric materials is as follows:
Quartz
Cane sugar
Rochelle salt
Topaz
Tourmaline
Bilinite (an identical structure of quartz)
A list of some artificial piezoelectric materials is as follows:
Barium titanate
Lead zirconate titanate
In recent years, there have been many environmental concerns regarding the toxicity of leadcontaining
piezoelectric materials or devices. Due to this reason, the European Union is striving to manufacture
leadfree piezoelectric materials. Currently, many leadfree piezoelectric materials have been developed,
which are safe and environment friendly.
Applications of the piezoelectric effect Piezoelectric materials possess an intrinsic property (a property
that exists within the object). Because of this property, the piezoelectric effect has many uses. Here are
some common uses:
Used in everyday applications such as: B. As an ignition source for cigarette lighters, etc.
It is involved in the generation and detection of various noises.
Used to generate electronic frequencies and high frequency voltages.
Used for micro balances and optical assemblies for ultra-fine focusing.
A brief description of the piezoelectric effect application Power and high voltage applications: Electric
cigarette lighters are the best example in this category. In this device, a spring-loaded hammer strikes
the piezoelectric crystal. This is done by pressing a button. At the push of a button, the piezoelectric
crystals ignite the gas, producing a high voltage high enough to heat the gas through a small spark space.
Most gas burners also work with the same injection system.
Piezoelectric Motors: Piezoelectric motors are based on the principle of inverse piezoelectric effect.
Vibrations occur with the help of rapidly changing potential differences. The external circuit creates a
changing electric field between the walls of the piezoelectric crystal, creating ultrasonic vibrations in the
material. This vibration can be converted into continuous linear or rotational motion within the
machine using a combination of levers. In this way, it acts as a motor that converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
Sensor: The most important use of the sensor is to detect pressure fluctuations in the form of noise.
This application is mainly found in electrically amplified guitars built with the help of piezoelectric
microphones. Piezoelectric sensors are also used in ultrasonic transducers.
