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.
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ASME 2008 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
August 3–6, 2008
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Design Engineering Division and Computers in Engineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4328-4
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Displacement and Blocking Force Modeling for Piezoelectric Uniflex Microactuators
Hareesh K. R. Kommepalli,
Hareesh K. R. Kommepalli
Pennsylvania State University, University, PA
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Han G. Yu,
Han G. Yu
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Srinivas A. Tadigadapa,
Srinivas A. Tadigadapa
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Christopher D. Rahn,
Christopher D. Rahn
Pennsylvania State University, University, PA
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Susan Trolier-McKinstry,
Susan Trolier-McKinstry
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Christopher L. Muhlstein
Christopher L. Muhlstein
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Hareesh K. R. Kommepalli
Pennsylvania State University, University, PA
Han G. Yu
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Srinivas A. Tadigadapa
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Christopher D. Rahn
Pennsylvania State University, University, PA
Susan Trolier-McKinstry
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Christopher L. Muhlstein
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Paper No:
DETC2008-49897, pp. 547-552; 6 pages
Published Online:
July 13, 2009
Citation
Kommepalli, HKR, Yu, HG, Tadigadapa, SA, Rahn, CD, Trolier-McKinstry, S, & Muhlstein, CL. "Displacement and Blocking Force Modeling for Piezoelectric Uniflex Microactuators." Proceedings of the ASME 2008 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Volume 4: 20th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology; Second International Conference on Micro- and Nanosystems. Brooklyn, New York, USA. August 3–6, 2008. pp. 547-552. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2008-49897
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