The book presents a broad-scope analysis of piezoelectricelectromechanical transducers and the related aspects of practical transducerdesign for underwater applications. It uses an energy method for analyzingtransducer problems that provides the physical insight important for theunderstanding of electromechanical devices. Application of the method is firstillustrated with transducer examples that can be modeled as systems with asingle degree of freedom, (such as spheres, short cylinders, bars and flexuraldisks and plates made of piezoelectric ceramics). Thereupon, transducers aremodeled as devices with multiple degrees of freedom. In all these cases,results of modeling are presented in the form of equivalent electromechanicalcircuits convenient for the calculation of the transducers’ operationalcharacteristics. Special focus is made on the effects of coupled vibrations inmechanical systems on transducer performance. The book also provides extensivecoverage of acoustic radiation including acoustic interaction between thetransducers.

The book is inherently multidisciplinary. It providesessential background regarding the vibration of elastic passive andpiezoelectric bodies, piezoelectricity, acoustic radiation, and transducercharacterization. Scientists and engineers working in the field ofelectroacoustics and those involved in education in the field will find thismaterial useful not only for underwater acoustics, but also forelectromechanics, energy conversion and medical ultrasonics.

Part II contains general information on vibration ofmechanical systems, electromechanical conversion in the deformed piezoceramicbodies, and acoustic radiation that can be used independently for treatmenttransducers of different type.