Kruse

 Piezoelectricity is a phenomenon that occurs naturally in some materials—like quartz, some ceramics, and biological matter such as bone, DNA, and certain proteins. At the intersection of science and engineering, it underpins the function of 'Piezo Elements', the focus of our discussion. Understanding Piezo Elements Piezo elements are devices that use the piezoelectric effect to measure changes in pressure, acceleration, temperature, strain, force by converting them into an electrical charge. The word "piezo" is derived from the Greek word 'piezein', which means to squeeze or press. Thus, when mechanical pressure is applied to a piezoelectric material, it generates electric voltage. Composition and Types Piezoelectric materials may be used as a single crystal or a polycrystalline body like ceramics. They may come in the form of discs, cylinders, rods, plates and rings. There are two primary categories of piezo elements: sensors and actuators. Piezo sensors, of