Transverse Shock Wave Depolarization of the Pb(Zr$_{52}$Ti$_{48}$)O$_{3}$ Polycrystalline Piezoelectric Energy-Carrying Element Of A Compact Pulsed Power Generator

The results are presented on experimental investigations of the depolarization of a poled lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr$_{52}$Ti$_{48})$O$_{3}$ polycrystalline energy-carrying piezoelectric ceramic element within a compact ferroelectric generator (FEG) by an explosive shock wave traveling across the polarization vector \textbf{\textit{P}}$_{0}$. We show that shock wave compression of the energy-carrying ferroelectric element causes a phase transition in the ferroelectric material that results in almost complete depolarization of the sample. The electric charge stored in the ferroelectrics, due to their remnant polarization, is released within a short time interval and can be transformed into pulsed power. Detailed experimental results are presented for shock wave depolarization of Pb(Zr$_{52}$Ti$_{48})$O$_{3}$ energy-carrying elements of different shapes and sizes.