Physical Basics

Abstract

Piezoelectric sensors and actuators connect different physical fields (e.g., electrostatic and mechanical field). With a view to studying the behavior of piezoelectric devices, the fundamentals of those physical fields are indispensable. Therefore, this chapter addresses the physical principles that are important for piezoelectric sensors and actuators. Section 2.1 deals with electromagnetics, especially with the electric field. In Sects. 2.2 and 2.3, the basics of continuum mechanics and acoustics are described, respectively.