# Vibrational frequency of piezoelectric material

When a piezoelectric material experience a stress it generates voltage, and also when you applied voltage the piezo-material experience a vibrational frequency. Using oscilloscope we can determine the induced frequency of the piezo-material with respect to the applied voltage. Now given the dimensions of the material we can also determine the resonant/normal frequency of the material. My question is what is the frequency that detected by oscilloscope when you applied a voltage? Is it the resonant frequency? Or other form of frequency? Then if so what is the relation of that detected frequency to the voltage and resonant frequency?

• You would see whatever voltage you apply. The material, all by itself, can not change that waveform. If you want to see the resonance of the material, then you have to measure the current trough the crystal while you are sweeping an AC voltage with variable frequency but constant amplitude. – CuriousOne Jul 18 '16 at 9:54
• we can determine the resonant frequency using the given dimension of the material. I just want to know the relationship of voltage to vibration frequency. I'm thinking if this equation is valid v(t) = V(sin(wt)), v(t) is the alternating voltage, V is the peak voltage, and t is the time. w is the angular frequency which is related to normal frequency, is the normal frequency is the detected frequency in the oscilloscope? – Raldenors Jul 18 '16 at 10:06
• Have you looked in the Data Spec Sheet for the actuator? Or see the articles on the PI website: piceramic.com/piezo-technology/… – sammy gerbil Jul 18 '16 at 10:11
• Using a formula is making an educated guess. Only a measurement gets you the actual resonance frequency. What you need to measure is the complex impedance $Z(\omega)=U(\omega)/I(\omega)$. – CuriousOne Jul 18 '16 at 10:18