A new family of piezoelectric actuators, called Recurves, exhibits high work per volume and have the extra benefit of performance and packaging tailorability. The focus of this paper is the dynamic performance of this novel actuation scheme. Two dynamic models, a detailed transfer matrix model and a simpler rod approximation model, are presented to predict the steady state frequency response of a general Recurve actuator driving a mass and spring load. Results from a 23 design of experiments are given that validate these models and demonstrate the impact of the architectural design parameters on the dynamic behavior of a generic Recurve actuator.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
piezoelectric actuators, matrix algebra
Topics:
Actuators, Displacement, Engineering prototypes, Springs, Stiffness, Architecture, Dynamic models, Piezoelectric actuators, Shear (Mechanics), Mode shapes, Design, Stress
1.
Samak, D. K., and Chopra, I., 1993, “A Feasibility Study to Build a Smart Rotor: Trailing Edge Flap Actuation,” Proceedings of the 1993 North American Conference on Smart Structures and Materials, pp. 225–237.
2.
Yamauchi, T., and Sasayama, T., 1990, “Investigation of High Response Fuel Injection Systems,” Proc. of the 23rd International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation, Vienna, Austria, pp. 48–54.
3.
August, J. A., and Joshi, S. P., 1996, “Preliminary Design of Smart Structure Fins for High-speed Missiles,” Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, C. R. Crowe, Ed., Proc. SPIE 2721, pp. 58–65.
4.
Culshaw, B., 1996, Smart Structures and Materials, Artech House, Norwood, MA.
5.
Prechtl, E. F., and Hall, S. R., 1997, “Design of a High Efficiency Discrete Servo-flap Actuator for Helicoptor Rotor Control,” Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, M. Regelbrugge, Ed., SPIE Vol. 3041, pp. 158–182.
6.
Bamford, R., Kuo, C. P., Glaser, R., and Wada, B. K., 1995, “Long Stroke Precision PZT Actuator,” AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference-Collection of Technical Papers AIAA, New York, pp. 3278–3284.
7.
Dogan, A., Fernandez, J. F., Uchino, K., and Newnham, R. E., 1996, “ ‘Cymbal’ Electromechanical Actuator,” IEEE International Symposium on Applications of Ferroelectrics, IEEE Vol. 96CH35948, IEEE, Piscataway, NJ, pp. 213–216.
8.
Haertling, G. H., 1997, “Rainbow Actuators and Sensors: A New Smart Technology,” Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Materials Technologies, Proc. SPIE 3040, pp. 81–92.
9.
Moskalik A. J., and Brei, D., 1998, “Force-deflection Characterization of Series Arrays of Piezoelectric C-block Actuators,” Smart Structures and Materials 1997, M. E. Regelbrugge, Ed., Proc. SPIE 3329, Bellingham, WA, pp. 659–669.
10.
Koratkar, N., and Chopra, I., 1997, “Testing and Validation of a Froude Scaled Helicopter Rotor Model with Piezo-Bimorph Actuated Trailing Edge Flaps,” Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, Marc E. Reggelbrugge, Ed. Proc. SPIE 3041, pp. 183–205.
11.
Ervin
,
J.
, and
Brei
,
D.
,
1998
, “
Recurve Piezoelectric Strain Amplifying Actuator Architecture
,”
IEEE/ASME Trans. Mechatron.
,
3
(
4
), pp.
293
–
301
.
12.
Ervin, J., 1999, “Design Characterization and Assessment of the Recurve Actuation Architecture,” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
13.
Kugel, V. D., Chandran, S., and Cross, L. E., 1997, “Comparative Analysis of Piezoelectric Bending-mode Actuators,” Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Materials Technologies, W. C. Simmons, I. A. Aksay, and D. R. Huston, Eds., Proc SPIE 3040, pp. 70–80.
14.
Nevil, G., and Davis, A., 1984, “The Potential of Corrugated PVDF Bimorphs for Actuation and Sensing,” Robotics Research: The Next Five Years and Beyond, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, MI, August 14–16, pp. 1–13.
15.
Lee
,
U.
, and
Lee
,
J.
,
1996
, “
Dynamic Continuum Modeling of Truss-Type Space Structures Using Spectral Elements
,”
J. Spacecr. Rockets
,
33
(
3
),
May-June
May-June
.
16.
Pestel, C., and Leckie, F., 1963, Matrix Methods in Elastomechanics, McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Inc., New York.
17.
Meirovitch, L., 1967, Analytical Methods in Vibrations, Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York.
18.
Montgomery, D. C., 1991, Design and Analysis of Experiments, Third Ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York.
19.
Crawley
,
E.
, and
Anderson
,
E.
,
1990
, “
Detailed Model of Piezoceramic Actuation of Beams
,”
J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct.
,
1
(
1
), pp.
4
–
25
.
20.
Beer, F., and Johnston, E., 1981, Mechanics of Materials, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York.
21.
O’Donnell
,
W.
, 1960, “The Additional Deflection of a Cantilever Due to the Elasticity of the Support,” ASME J. Appl. Mech., 27(3), September.
Copyright © 2004
 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.