Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
Mtawa, A.N., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Sun, B., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; Gryzagoridis, J., Smart Devices, Structures and MEMS Research Group and Laboratory, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Box 1906, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
This paper is focused on the influence of the thickness ratio between substrate and piezoceramic layers on the displacement and force output of a C-shape actuator. The ratio of substrate/PZT layers thickness is one of the parameters that can be used for the optimization of performance of a C-shape actuator. Experimental and Finite Element software (MSC Marc) was used for validation of the theoretical results. The results show that with a fixed piezoceramic layer thickness, the thickness, hence the stiffness of the substrate layer can be varied to obtain a range of values of displacement and force. With increasing thickness of substrate, the free displacement reaches a maximum value after which it decreases. The possible causes for this behaviour are discussed. This information is a useful guide to designers enabling the selection of appropriate material and geometry for a C-shape actuator, depending on whether the primary requirement is large force or large displacement. The information is also useful when deciding on the required number of individual C-shape actuators in series or parallel. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.