Characterization of Novel Flextensional Actuators Designed by Using Topology Optimization Method

Abstract

Flextensional actuators consist of a piezoceramic bonded to a flexible structure that amplifies and changes the direction of generated piezoceramic displacement. In this work, some prototypes of novel flextensional actuators designed by using topology optimization are manufactured, and characterized. Experimental resonance frequencies and displacements of each flextensional actuator and single piezoceramic are obtained by using an impedance analyzer and laser interferometry technique, respectively. The main purpose of these measurements is to verify the displacement amplification introduced by new designs of flextensional piezoelectric actuators. To verify the amplification, both displacements of the single piezoceramic and the complete actuator are measured through laser interferometry and compared. The measurements are made considering harmonic and transient excitations. All experimental results are compared with finite element simulations, using ANSYSTM software. The predicted amplification rates provided by these actuators are verified. Therefore, these results validate flextensional actuators designed by using topology optimization.