Study of the Efficiency of Piezoelectric Engine Built with KNL-NTS Ceramics and KNL-NTS with Copper Using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

The prohibition of lead use in electronic components has encouraged the development of alternative lead-free piezoelectric materials. Sodium–potassium niobate ceramics have emerged as a promising option compared to lead zirconate titanate. Lead-free ceramics offer good properties for sensors; however, their low hardness limits their application in piezoelectric motors. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize their performance by increasing density and electrical efficiency through the addition of different dopant elements. In this study, a numerical model of a linear piezoelectric motor was proposed using the finite element method, with the aim of comparing the frequency response of pure lead-free ceramics and those doped with 0.25% Cu. Both the experimental results and the numerical solutions showed improvements in the dynamic response of the doped ceramics compared to the pure system.