Dependence of electric energy output from a lead zirconate titanate ceramic piezoelectric element on impact conditions

► Dependence of electric energy output of impacted piezoelectric element on impact conditions is experimentally investigated. ► Electric energy output of impacted piezoelectric plate may be increased by impacting the buffer layer at its center, decreasing the contact area between the hitting object and buffer layer, reducing internal energy absorption in the mechanical buffer layer and avoiding wave reflection in the buffer layer.