Advanced in situ x-ray and neutron scattering to reveal structural and microstructural response mechanisms of modern single crystal electro-mechanical materials
Abstract
Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) based relaxor compositions in single crystal form are excellent electromechanical coupling materials for sensor and actuator applications. These materials have been shown to outperform existing ceramic based electromechanical materials 3-5X in sonar systems. One of the difficulties in applying these materials, however, is their broad range of behavior observed depending on initial compositions/structures and crystal orientations of the applied mechanical stress and/or electric field. This, in some cases, leads to high hysteretic losses and rapid fatigue of the material. It is suspected that these performance changing mechanisms relate to the process of phase change and its nucleation and growth characteristics within the bulk crystals. At present, no direct experimental data exists to probe these features of the material. This project provides this missing information by using scattering methods that probe the bulk of the material and are sensitive to both the average phase structure and microstructure during in situ electrical and mechanical loading. The proposed study will utilize advanced in situ x-ray and neutron scattering methods to directly quantify the contributions of the strain mechanisms to the response of these highly promising electro-mechanical materials. Prof. Daniels is a renowned expert in materials characterization using high energy sources like synchrotrons and he has access to several facilities around the world. He has been working with NRL and Australia Defence Science and Technology Group on the fundamental understanding of PMN-PT family of materials. He is uniquely qualified to perform the research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2019
- Source ID
- N629091912090
Entities
People
- John E. Daniels
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of New South Wales