Mechanical vibrations induced on elastic structures by piezopolymer transducers

Theoretical and experimental results are presented to analyze the mechanical vibrations of elastic structures activated by piezopolymer transducers. Elastic thin plates and cylindrical shell structures are activated by polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric films. Vibrational behavior of activated structures are observed in gaseous and liquid surrounding media. These structures have been considered in view of applications for protection of oceanographic sensors against marine fouling by mechanical surface vibrations.