Flexoelectricity in PZT Nanoribbons and Biomembranes
Abstract
The objective of this grant was to study flexoelectric phenomena in solids and in biomembranes. Over a three year period funds from this grant were used to accomplish several projects that form a large part of the PhD thesis of Mr. Sheng Mao. In the first project we formulated the governing equations for a flexolelectric solid undergoing small deformations. These governing equations were used to solve for the stress, displacement and polarization fields in several one and two-dimensional electromechanical problems. A key highlight of this paper was a flexoelectric reciprocal theorem. We used the formulation in this paper to solve for the electrical and mechanical fields around point defects, dislocations and cracks in flexoelectric solids. We confirmed the important role of flexoelectricity in the immediate vicinity of defects due to the existence of large strain gradients. A key highlight of this paper was that we showed that flexoelectricity is the most likely mechanism behind electromagnetic radiation from moving dislocations and cracks in ice. We also collaborated with Michael McAlpine in Princeton on several projects. We studied the electromechanical response of neuronal cells, energy harvesting using pyro-para-electricity and a new way of producing PZT nanoribbons for energy harvesters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 09, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA621919
Entities
People
- Prashant K. Purohit
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania