1. MEEN 3344 By: Matthew Kelso

2.  Crystals that generate a voltage when a stress is applied to them.  The inverse effect is also true: a voltage causes deformation.  This is due to complicated crystal structure that is unsymmetrical about the center.

3.  In these crystals, the positive and negative charges are separated, but symmetrical.  When a stress is applied, the symmetry is disrupted and there is an uneven charge distribution.  This uneven distribution generates a voltage across the system.

4.  Quartz is the most commonly used crystal.  Natural Crystals: Quartz, Rochelle Salt, Topaz, Cane Sugar, Bone  Some ceramics  Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

5.  Vibration Dampeners  Energy farm  Quartz Watches  Guitar Pickups  Lighters  Sonar  Phonographs  Printers

6.  http://www.piezo.com/tech4history.html  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity  http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=257278  Callister, W.D., Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering: An Integrated Approach, 3rd ed. Wiley and Sons, 2008, Online  http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/japan_ticket_gates.php  http://www.answers.com/topic/piezoelectricity  http://www.slashgear.com/gibson-powertune-the-guitar-that-tunes-itself-047793/  http://gemscollection.blogspot.com/2007/08/topaz-gemstone.html  http://www.handsofhopedisasterreliefservices.org/b2b/confectionery_and_candy/1/  http://flickr.com/photos/14833125@N02/2182032919  http://www.mineralminers.com/images/phantom-quartz/polx/phqp271.jpg  http://www.filterforge.com/filters/4802.html  http://www.phonodoc.com/phono.htm  http://www.global-b2b-network.com/b2b/26/37/858/157887/piezo_igniters.html  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkjet_printer  http://www.explainthatstuff.com/insidequartzwatch.jpg