Piezoelectric actuator generating torsional displacement from piezoelectric d₁₅ shear response

A torsional actuator generating angular displacement from piezoelectric shear strain was developed. The actuator is a tube consisting of an even number of segments poled along the length, which are adhesively bonded together, and the joints act as electrodes to apply the driving voltage. The experimental data measured on the prototype actuator: (i) prove the proposed concept of the torsional actuator, (ii) show that the actuator functions well under the torque load, and (iii) demonstrate that it has superior characteristics compared to previously reported designs of torsional actuators.