On the design of 1-3 piezo-composites using topology optimization

We use a topology optimization method to design 1-3 piezocomposites with optimal performance characteristics for hydrophone applications. The performance characteristics we focus on are the hydrostatic charge coefficient d(h)((*)), the hydrophone figure of merit d(h)((*))g(h)((*)), and the electromechanical coupling factor k(h)((*)). The piezocomposite consists of piezoelectric rods embedded in an optimal polymer matrix. We use the topology optimization method to design the optimal (porous) matrix microstructure. When we design for maximum d(h)((*)) and d(h)((*))g(h)((*)) the optimal transversally isotopic matrix material has negative Poisson's ratio in certain directions. When we design for maximum k(h)((*)), the optimal matrix microstructure is layered and simple to build.