High-Output Solid-State-Converted Piezoelectrics for Remote Vehicle Sonars

"This program will demonstrate the performance advantages of applying solid-state- converted (SSC) PMN-PT 1-3 composite transduction materials to selected Navy sonar systems which require greater bandwidth, lower frequency operation, and/or higher sourcelevels to meet their operational objectives. The SSC materials are highly oriented piezoceramics which exhibit up to 80% the strain of very expensive piezo-single crystals, at a cost only modestly higher than traditional piezoceramics. In Phase I, MSIwill (a) develop transducer concepts consistent with the emerging SSC manufacturing technology, (b)¿evaluate the insertion potential into selected Navy sonar systems, (c) down-select to one or more insertion opportunities based on system payoff andtransition sponsor interest, and (d) develop and model prototype transducer designs for each of the selected insertion platforms. The follow-on Phase¿II program will focus on hardware fabrication and performance demonstration.Utilization of higher strain,higher coupling transduction materials will enable acoustic projector designs which are more compact, have increased bandwidths and lower achievable operating frequencies, and provide higher source levels. Smaller and more sensitive hydrophones will alsobe realized. Commercial applications include medical imaging, NDE, inkjet printing, high strain actuators, optical switching, automotive engine control, and commercial sonars."