Optimization and implementation of piezoelectric radiators using the genetic algorithm

Abstract

Very thin and small (45 mm x 35 mm x 0.35 mm) piezoelectric radiators have been developed in this research. The system is modeled by using the energy method in conjunction with the assumed-modes method. Electrical system, mechanical system, and acoustic loading have all been accounted for during the modeling stage. On the basis of the simulation model, the genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to optimize the overall configurations for a low resonance frequency and a large gain. The resulting designs are then implemented and evaluated experimentally. Performance indices for the experimental evaluation include the frequency response, the directional response, the sensitivity, and the efficiency. It is found in the experimental results that the piezoelectric radiators are able to produce comparable acoustical output with significantly less electrical input than the voice-coil panel speakers. (C) 2003 Acoustical Society of America.