PZT 52/48 Depolarization: Quasi-Static Thermal Heating Versus Longitudinal Explosive Shock

Systematic studies of the depolarization of Pb(Zr(0.52) Ti(0.48))O(3) (PZT 52/48) poled piezoelectric ceramic samples were performed using thermal heating and explosive longitudinal-shock compression. The electric charge density that is released due to thermal heating at a rate of 0.9 K/min was consistent for all sample sizes (Q = 27.8 mu C/cm(2)). The charge density that is released due to shock compression was practically equal to that released due to thermal heating. The PZT 52/48 samples were completely depolarized by longitudinal shock waves at shock front pressures of P(SW) = 1.5 +/- 0.2 GPa. The electric charge that the samples release can be transformed into pulsed power. Miniature explosive-driven ferroelectric generators containing PZT 52/48 ceramic elements with a volume of 0.35-3.5 cm(3) are capable of converting the depolarization charge into pulses of high voltage with amplitudes of up to 22 kV and high power with a peak power of up to 0.35 MW within a time interval of 0.3-1.5 mu s.