Electromechanical field concentrations near the electrode tip in partially poled multilayer piezo-film actuators

This paper describes the results of our numerical and experimental studies of the electromechanical field concentrations due to electrodes in partially poled multilayer piezoelectric film actuators under electric fields. A nonlinear finite element analysis is performed to create the partial poling state through the high electric field and to discuss the electromechanical fields. Displacement versus electric field curves are also measured to validate the numerical predictions, and comparisons are made between numerical results and experimental data. Moreover, the results of the partially poled multilayer actuators are compared with those of fully poled actuators.