Improved energy conversion efficiency of the ultrasonic motor with surface texture

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of frictional materials and surface texture on the energy conversion efficiency and the mechanical output performance of the ultrasonic motor (USM). Design/methodology/approach A newly designed testing system was set up to measure the mechanical output performance of the USM. The influence of different frictional materials on the output performance of the USM was studied under the same assembly process and parameters. The surface texture was fabricated by laser ablation processing. The effects of surface texture and input parameters on the energy conversion efficiency and mechanical output performance of the USM were studied. Findings The results show that polyimide (PI) composites as frictional material can significantly improve the output performance of the USM compared to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites. When the pre-load is 240 N, the energy conversion efficiency of the USM using textured PI composites as frictional material can reach 41.93 per cent, increased by 29.21 per cent compared to PTFE composites, and the effective output range of the USM is increased to 0.7-1.1 N m. Besides, the pre-load and surface texture have a great influence on the output performance of the USM. Originality/value PI composites can improve the mechanical output performance of the USM. Surface texture can also improve the interface tribological properties and the energy conversion efficiency based on the advanced frictional materials, which will contribute to the increment of the output performance of the USM under the same input conditions.