Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/T19322/01
Title:	Network-Piezo Device Modelling Network
Principal Investigator:	Kirk, Professor K
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	School of Science
Organisation:	University of the West of Scotland
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 January 2005	Ends:	30 September 2008	Value (£):	62,056
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation Microsystems
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Piezoelectric materials devices have many applications, such as underwater sonar, biomedical imaging and therapy, remote sensing, industrial processing, nondestructive testing, surface acoustic wave devices, vibration damping of large structures, and ejection of ink from inkjet print heads, plus new uses in microsystems and MEMS technology. Work with piezoelectric devices Is frequently multidisciplinary, involving development of new materials and state-of-the-art design and simulation techniques as well as requiring input from electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation and signal processing.The development of new piezoelectric devices is typically tackled by a combination of simulation and prototyping. At present, simulation is often just as expensive as traditional prototyping, but as software improves and computer hardware continues to fall in price, computer modelling of piezo devices is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, increased computational power enables more realistic models to be used. Many groups in the UK are carrying out research into new materials. The question is, what will the capabilities of these new materials be in future devices? Piezo modelling can highlight the potential performance advantages of new materials and indicate how to achieve them in practice. The proposed network would establish a multidisciplinary community to facilitate the development and exploitation of Piezo Device Modelling, for research and development in universities and industry in the UK: university researchers producing new materials will be able to learn from industry what is required, and conversely, device designers and manufacturers can discover from materials scientists and engineers the new technologies available to achieve major steps forward. Participating companies can also give advice on manufacturability of the new devices and practical requirements of customers, and will provide an important link to potential industrial end users.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Organisation Website:	http://www.uws.ac.uk