Why Are Piezoelectric Ceramics Used in the Military?
Piezoelectric ceramics, or piezoceramics, are ideal for use in certain military applications equipment because of the performance advantages and reliability they provide. They are often useful in sensors and can store energy to power electronic devices. A few benefits of piezoelectric ceramics in the military include the following:
- Compact size
- Lack of moving parts
- Reliability of response over a wide frequency range
- Cost-effectiveness
- High energy density
Piezoelectric ceramics also provide durability in the extreme conditions common to military operations. They can operate reliably in a vacuum, for instance, and they resist electromagnetic interference when many other electronic products cannot. Below are six common examples of piezoelectric applications in the military:
1. Active Sonar
Some of the first experiments with piezoelectricity during World War I/II led to the development of sonar for countering the threat of submarine warfare. That early sonar, however, was only passive. It could detect acoustic signals - but not emit its own.
Today's active sonar is much more advanced, using an acoustic transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that bounce back from nearby objects. Aerial and naval vessels often have active sonar and echolocation equipment on-board to detect other vessels and mines. They also rely on this equipment for ranging and navigation.
Different piezoceramic products are useful in different sonar applications. Some equipment uses discs, plates or stacked ring transducers. Other types utilize sonar arrays, which allow for a linear deflection of the ultrasonic wave to permit directed ultrasound. Various sonar applications also call for different types of piezoelectric transducers because no single transducer can cover the entire frequency band over which sonar is useful. Manufacturers therefore need to optimize transducer properties for specific frequency ranges.
2. Hydrophones
Hydrophones are specialized "microphones" that detect sonic or ultrasonic signals underwater. They allow their operators to find submarines and other submerged forms and track their movements underwater. Hydrophones use piezoelectric components because they respond to even tiny changes in underwater pressure. When the piezoceramics in a hydrophone detect the pressure changes associated with underwater sound waves, they generate small electric charges that indicate the waves presence. By amplifying and processing these signals, they can measure objects in the ocean with incredible precision.
A single hydrophone provides critical information, and several triangulated hydrophones provide even more. A hydrophone array is even more sensitive and can give the military much more resolute and valuable data about vessel movements or even that of aquatic wildlife.
3. Accelerometers
Accelerometers contain tiny piezo sensors that measure the acceleration forces acting on a particular object. Piezoelectric accelerometers work by detecting the small pressure changes that occur when an object's velocity increases or decreases and they emit an electric charge in response to that change. They are useful for vibration and shock measurement in many military operations, as well as inertial and gyroscopic guidance systems for aircraft, munitions, or personnel.
4. Munitions Fuses and Triggers
Piezoelectric generators are useful in the fuses of explosives and munitions during combat. Using high-density energy generators, piezo triggers can create electric charges that detonate devices without an on board power source, making them very reliable. They also have the ability to withstand very high G loads making them ideal for certain fuse or trigger applications.
5. Piezo Sensors for Military Vehicles and Devices
In military vehicles and devices, piezoceramic materials are useful for monitoring vibrations and seismic activity. They can also detect the changes in pressure that signify blast shock waves. The piezoceramics in the sensors generate a charge in response to these pressures, and the charge is interpreted via signal processing. Military vehicles also utilize ultrasonic ranging devices, useful for determining distance to a target and identifying obstacles near vehicles.
6. Piezo Motors and Actuators in UAVs and Satellites
Piezoelectric ceramics also form parts of motors known as piezo motors, which are useful in unmanned aircraft because of their high precision, accuracy, and ability to perform without the use of a magnetic field.
Additionally, in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), piezoelectric energy harvesting actuators are useful for extending battery life. They can generate small electrical charges that feed back into the battery packs to extend the flight times for certain types of UAVs. Their small size also makes them ideal for more compact and miniaturized equipment, like drones, at the micro and nano scales.
In satellites, piezo actuators are useful for operating components that power and stabilize the units on their journey in orbit.
Work With APC International for Advanced Piezoelectric Military Components
Since 1986, APC has been providing advanced piezoelectric solutions for even the most challenging security and defense applications. We pride ourselves on our quick deliveries and close working relationships with our customers, so partnering with us means you'll get the attention and components you need in time frames that work with your schedule.
We have extensive experience manufacturing custom piezoelectric parts, from high tolerance bulk piezo ceramics, to stack actuators, to air transducers and ultrasonic power transducers. APC is also an expert in the selection of the right piezoelectric material for any given application. We are available to talk you through the pros and cons of each PZT-based piezoceramic option to help you make the right choice for device performance and reliability.
Contact APC to discuss your needs today!
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