High displacement non-linear asymmetrically designed piezoelectric actuators

G. Giannopoulos, J. Monreal, J. Vantomme

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Non-linear smart actuators have attracted lately the interest of many researchers. It is well known that linear smart actuators have been used in a vast number of applications in different disciplines. However, most of the times a trade off between displacement and force must take place in order to increase their operational envelope. Taking into account this, it is not strange that research is headed towards non-linear mechanics in order to increase displacement, as well as force actuation in smart actuators. In the present work, issues related with the non-linear response of smart beams as well as snap-through performance are investigated. Beams with aluminum cores are equipped with continuous piezoelectric layers that cover only a certain part of the structure. A number of symmetrical and asymmetrical actuators have been realized with different core lengths and thus the amount of active material over the whole length of the actuator varies. These actuators were tested in order to evaluate their critical buckling load as well as their snap-through performance. The snap-through displacement was examined with respect to the post-buckling compression of the actuators for all the configurations and the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical actuators raises a number of issues concerning the design of such actuators.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSmart Structures and Materials 2006
    Subtitle of host publicationModeling, Signal Processing, and Control
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventSmart Structures and Materials 2006: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control - San Diego, CA, United States
    Duration: 27 Feb 20062 Mar 2006

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
    Volume6166
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X

    Conference

    ConferenceSmart Structures and Materials 2006: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Diego, CA
    Period27/02/062/03/06

    Keywords

    • Buckling analysis
    • Multi-step beams
    • Smart actuators
    • Snap-through buckling

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