A finite element computational framework for enhanced photostrictive performance in 0–3 composites

Photostriction is a multiphysics phenomenon comprising of both photovoltaic effect and converse piezoelectric effect. The extensively researched photostrictive material is lead lanthanum zirconate titanate, i.e., Pb_0.92La_0.08(Zr_0.65Ti_0.35)_0.98O₃ (PLZT) ceramic. In contrast to the traditional approaches of improving deflection response, the current study proposes a 0–3 composite model to substantially enhance the effective material properties, which in turn significantly improves the deflection response. A computational framework based on finite element analysis is employed to 0–3 photostrictive composite of PLZT as matrix and Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.35PbTiO₃ (PMN-35PT) as the inclusions. The representative volume element (RVE) or unit cell technique is used to incorporate the local variation of constituent properties and to calculate photostrictive properties such as effective elastic, dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties. An opto-electro-thermo-mechanical finite element formulation was engaged to get the actuation response of photostrictive material bonded to cantilever and simply supported beam. The maximum deflection for cantilever beam attached to photostrictive composite patch having 25% inclusions volume fraction in 0–3 composite is found to be 38% more in comparison to pure PLZT material. It is established that the opto-electro-mechanical 0–3 composite actuators possess high potential in lightweight, compact and wireless actuation applications.