SIMULIA Multiphysics / Independent Code-Coupling / Independent Code-Coupling Example

Micro Piezoelectric Print Head

Challenge

One of the recent advances in print head technology is the use of micro piezoelectric elements in print heads of printers to emit measured amount of ink. In these print heads, an electric signal causes a change in the shape of piezoelectric elements. This enables firing of ink droplets and suction of new ink into the print head. Compared to conventional thermal-type print heads where ink is heated to generate droplets, the piezoelectric technology allows precise control of droplet size and velocity thus resulting in better print quality. Design of micro piezoelectric print heads requires precise modeling of the deformation of piezoelectric elements and subsequent formation of ink droplets. This requires fluid-structure interaction capability along with piezoelectric modeling capability in structures.

Solution

The piezo-mechanical capability in Abaqus is used to generate controlled displacements on the nozzle wall. The displacements subsequently interact with the ink resulting in droplet formation and discharge. The fluid-interaction analysis is performed by coupling Abaqus to STAR-CD using the open interface to MpCCI.

Benefit

SIMULIA's Multiphysics capabilities and platforms enable advanced multiphysics simulation of piezoelectric response to applied electric voltage in conjunction with its effects on ink droplet formation, size and velocity.