Investigations on Degradation Mechanisms for Ferroelectric Actuator Design
Abstract
Among various materials for solid state actuators (e.g., magnetostrictors, shape memory alloys, and ferroelectric ceramics), ferroelectric ceramics are most versatile, offering a combination of large actuation work per unit volume, fast response, low cost, and electric field control. Ferroelectrics have long been used in non-structural applications (e.g., pressure sensors, microphones) that require small forces and displacements. Their brittleness has not been the limiting factor in such applications. Recent applications include large-scale adaptive structures, active vibration control, and precise positioning, all requiring large actuation work under repeated loading. Although each application involves many technical issues (e.g., sensing, signal processing, actuation, structural design), it is the reliability of actuators that has become the limiting factor. The present actuator design practice is empirical: no data base and analytical tool exist to assure long term reliability. This is in contrast with most other structural elements, where years of experience and research have accumulated such data bases and tools. Often it is this lack of reliability assurance that stands in the way of integrating actuators into structures. The object of the proposed research is to create a computational tool to design reliable actuators. The work focuses on multilayer actuators, although ideas and tools to be developed would be relevant to other types of actuators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA361484
Entities
People
- Zhigang Suo
Organizations
- Princeton University