Coupled field analysis of a piezoelectric bimorph disc in a direct write process

This paper investigates the behavior of a piezoelectric (PZT) bimorph disc within a Direct Write Process. A modified Continuous Inkjet Print (CIJ) method is utilized to selectively deposit a variety of conductive nano particulate materials for building functionally gradient materials (FGM). The spatial and temporal complexity of the novel CIJ based microfabrication process necessitates a computational solution to complement its experimental development. Static and modal coupled field finite element analyses were conducted for determining the operating frequency range of the PZT disc within a CIJ print head. The transient behavior of the PZT disc was subsequently analyzed in a conductive ink environment using a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) algorithm. Finally, parametric studies were conducted to generate empirical expression and to determine the relative importance that the density and kinematic viscosity of fluids had on the excitation behavior of the piezoelectric disc. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.