Displacement and blocking force modeling for piezoelectric uniflex microactuators

Hareesh K.R. Kommepalli, Han G. Yu, Srinivas A. Tadigadapa, Christopher D. Rahn, Susan Trolier-Mckinstry, Christopher L. Muhlstein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Microactuators provide controlled motion and force for applications ranging from RF switches to rate gyros. Large amplitude response in piezoelectric actuators requires amplification of their small strain. This paper studies a uniflex microactuator that combines the strain amplification mechanisms of a unimorph and flexural motion to produce large displacement and blocking force. An analytical model is developed with three connected beams and a reflective symmetric boundary condition that predicts actuator displacement and blocking force as a function of the applied voltage. The model shows that the uniflex design requires appropriate parameter ranges, especially the clearance between the unimorph and aluminum cap, to ensure that both the unimorph and flexural amplification effects are realized. With a weakened joint at the unimorph/cap interface, the model accurately predicts the displacement and blocking force of four actuators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASME 2008 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2008
Pages547-552
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventASME 2008 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2008 - Brooklyn, NY, United States
Duration: Aug 3 2008Aug 6 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
Volume4

Other

OtherASME 2008 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBrooklyn, NY
Period8/3/088/6/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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