Project on model-based determination of nonlinear properties of piezoceramics for high-power acoustic applications enters its next phase
Following a successful first project phase, the German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the continuation of Research Unit FOR 5208 for a further 48 months. The project was presented to the reviewers during an on-site evaluation in May.
The five subprojects of the research unit focus on the quantitative modelling of the nonlinear electromechanical properties of piezoelectric ceramics. Particular attention is paid to high-power acoustic applications such as ultrasonic welding and ultrasonic cleaning. The research unit aims to develop realistic models that can mathematically predict the behaviour of these acoustic transducers, thereby making development and analysis processes more efficient.
Four of the five subprojects are based at Paderborn University. Prof. Dr Michael Winkler from the Department of Mathematics leads the subproject ANA – Existence and Regularity Theory and Qualitative Analysis. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Hemsel from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering leads APP – Application-Oriented Characterisation and Control of Nonlinear Piezoelectric Systems. Prof. Dr Jens Förstner and Dr.-Ing. Leander Claes from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology each lead one of the remaining subprojects: SIM – Modelling and Simulation of Nonlinear Piezoelectric Systems and MES – Measurement Methods for Determining Nonlinear Piezoelectric Material Parameters, respectively.
For the second project phase, Prof. Dr Andrea Walther from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin will take over the role of spokesperson from Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernd Henning. Together with Daniel Walter from Johannes Kepler University Linz, she leads the subproject OPT – Optimal Experimental Design for Determining Piezoelectric Material Parameters in the Nonlinear Case.
The approval of a further four years of funding recognises the success of the interdisciplinary collaboration to date. All researchers involved are looking forward to gaining new insights into the piezoelectric effect and further advancing the understanding and modelling of nonlinear piezoelectric systems.
