Abstract:The actuating characteristics of the orthotropic piezoelectric composite materials (Orthotropic Piezoelectric Composite Materials, OPCM) were investigated, which were prepared by 1 1 OPCM type transducer. The driving principle and the orthotropic characteristics were theoretically analyzed. By numerical simulation and experimental tests of its orthogonal directions in the transverse view of the different piezoelectric characteristics, namely the orthotropic characteristics, the orthogonal ratio could be deduced, which could gather the signal energy to improve the positioning accuracy of the structural damage. The simulation corresponded with the experimental results of OPCM ultrasonic transducer, which indicated that this new type of transducer had the characteristics of orthotropic and could generate stress wave at specific directions. The actuating characteristics of OPCM was proved to be better than flake piezoelectric elements.