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High-displacement piezoelectric actuator utilizing a meander-line geometry II. Theory.
1Dept. of Electr. Eng., Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis, MN.
Summary
A new electromechanical model simplifies meander-line actuators. Adding stiffeners enhances force generation without impacting displacement, improving actuator performance.
Area of Science:
- Electromechanical engineering
- Materials science
Background:
- Meander-line actuators utilize piezoelectric properties for motion.
- Existing models may not fully capture complex electromechanical behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified electromechanical model for meander-line actuators.
- To investigate the effect of stiffeners on actuator performance.
Main Methods:
- A model was created with a voltage-actuated force source (piezoelectric effect) in parallel with a spring.
- This combination was placed in series with a second spring, subjected to bending moments.
- The impact of adding stiffeners to reduce bending moments was analyzed.
Main Results:
- The model revealed that large bending moments reduce the stiffness of the series spring.
- Stiffeners were shown to significantly decrease these bending moments.
- This reduction in bending moments increased the stiffness of the second spring.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a straightforward approach to understanding meander-line actuator mechanics.
- Incorporating stiffeners is an effective strategy to enhance the force generation capability of these actuators.
- Actuator displacement capability remains unaffected by the addition of stiffeners.
