The focus of this book is concerned with the modelling and precise numerical simulation of mechatronic sensors and actuators. These sensors, actuators, and sensor-actuator systems are based on the mutual interaction of the mechanical field with a magnetic, an electrostatic, or an electromagnetic field. In many cases, the transducer is immersed in an acoustic fluid and the solid–fluid coupling has to be taken into account. Examples are piezoelectric stack actuators for common-rail injection systems, micromachined electrostatic gyro sensors used in stabilizing systems of automobiles or ultrasonic imaging systems for medical diagnostics.
The second edition of this book fully preserves the character of the first edition to combine the detailed physical modelling of mechatronic systems and their precise numerical simulation using the Finite Element (FE) method. Most of the text and general appearance of the previous edition were retained, while the coverage was extended and the presentation improved.