Smart Material Electrohydrostatic Actuator for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Abstract

Future intelligent transportation systems require actuation systems that are lightweight, compact and have a large power density. Due to their solid-state operation, fast frequency response, and high power-to-weight ratio, electrohydrostatic actuators based on smart materials are attractive as a replacement for conventional hydraulic actuators. This paper is focused on the development of a smart material pump for EHAs in which mechanical vibrations produced by a magnetostrictive terbiumiron-dysprosium alloy are rectified by means of diode-type mechanical reed valves. A maximum blocked pressure differential of 1100 psi is achieved with a power consumption of 84 W. A linear dynamic system model of the magnetostrictive pump is presented. The linear model quantifies the maximum pressure and electromechanical coupling of the magnetostrictive pump and facilitates the determination of system parameters from simple experimental measurements.