Depolarization of a Pb(Zr₅₂Ti₄₈)O₃ Polycrystalline Piezoelectric Energy-Carrying Element of Compact Pulsed Power Generator by a Longitudinal Shock Wave

A poled lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr52Ti48)O3 polycrystalline piezoelectric ceramic energy-carrying element of a compact explosive-driven pulsed power generator was depolarized by an explosive shock wave traveling along the polarization vector P0. We show that shock wave compression of a ferroelectric energy-carrying element at pressures of 1.5-3.8 GPa caused almost complete depolarization of the sample. The shock wave velocity in the Pb(Zr52Ti48)O3 was determined to be 3.94 ± 0.27 km/s. The electric charge stored in the ferroelectrics, due to their remnant polarization, is released during a short time interval, and can be transformed into pulsed power. Compact explosive-driven sources of primary power utilizing longitudinal shock wave depolarization of Pb(Zr52Ti48)O3 are capable of producing pulses of high voltage, with amplitudes up to 22 kV and peak powers up to 0.35 MW.