MEEN 3344By: Matthew Kelso

Crystals that generate a voltage when a stress is applied to them.

The inverse effect is also true: a voltage causes deformation.

This is due to complicated crystal structure that is unsymmetrical about the center.

In these crystals, the positive and negative charges are separated, but symmetrical.

When a stress is applied, the symmetry is disrupted and there is an uneven charge distribution.

This uneven distribution generates a voltage across the system.

Quartz is the most commonly used crystal.

Natural Crystals: Quartz, Rochelle Salt, Topaz, Cane Sugar, Bone

Some ceramics Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

Vibration Dampeners

Energy farm Quartz Watches Guitar Pickups Lighters Sonar Phonographs Printers

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3rd ed. Wiley and Sons, 2008, Online http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/japan_ticket_gates.php http://www.answers.com/topic/piezoelectricity http://www.slashgear.com/gibson-powertune-the-guitar-that-tunes-itself-047793/ http://gemscollection.blogspot.com/2007/08/topaz-gemstone.html http://www.handsofhopedisasterreliefservices.org/b2b/confectionery_and_candy/1/ http://flickr.com/photos/14833125@N02/2182032919 http://www.mineralminers.com/images/phantom-quartz/polx/phqp271.jpg http://www.filterforge.com/filters/4802.html http://www.phonodoc.com/phono.htm http://www.global-b2b-network.com/b2b/26/37/858/157887/piezo_igniters.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkjet_printer http://www.explainthatstuff.com/insidequartzwatch.jpg