Abstract
Zero-dimensional equations for motions of a rectangular piezoelectric parallelepiped are derived from the three-dimensional equations of linear piezoelectricity by triple power series expansion in the length, width and thickness directions. The resulting equations are ordinary differential equations with time as the only independent variable. The lowest order equations can describe motions with homogeneous shearing and stretching deformations as well as uniform electric fields. It is a generalization of the zero-dimensional theory of elastic bodies in the sense that electric coupling is included. The equations obtained are employed in the analysis of a ceramic plate thickness–shear piezoelectric gyroscope. Results useful to the understanding and design of the gyroscope are obtained.