Dynamic Performance of Nonlinear 100X Displacement Amplification Piezoelectric Actuator

The dynamic frequency response of a nonlinear piezoelectric amplification mechanism capable of over 150 fold displacement amplification is presented. Research to amplify the displacement of piezoelectric actuators has included flexure based approaches that utilize geometric configuration, and has included frequency based approaches that utilize resonance and small steps to contribute to a full motion. The dynamic operation of the actuator presented here utilizes the benefits from both of these methods. The geometry allows for great displacement amplification, and operation within a specific frequency band allows for the exploitation of a nonlinear singularity. The actuator has three distinct modes of dynamic operation, one of which achieves significant displacement by utilizing momentum to pass through a singular configuration. A nonlinear model, linear models for each frequency response mode, and multiple prototypes are presented. This actuator operating in the high displacement frequency band is promising as an input actuator for stepping mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 by ASME