Mechanical Diode Resonant Rectifying Actuator
Abstract
The project goal is an efficient, conformable, high specific power actuator for use in agile high-speed DoD systems. Perm State pursued rotary motors based on the use of commercial roller clutches, while Virginia Tech demonstrated an efficient, regenerative drive system. The drive capacitors are roughly the same size as the motor piezos, thus bounding system size. Modeling indicated that the specific power of a bimorph-driven motor could be increased by a factor of 30 relative to initial SAMPSON technology; an l1X improvement was measured. The results indicated a limit of about 30 W/kg for such motors, inadequate to meet program goals, so stack-driven motors were subsequently pursued. Power output of 40 W and specific power of 30 W/kg were measured for the initial stack-driven motor. For such motors, Boeing and MPC suggested a focus on UCAVs, such as the XA5. This design was expected to provide a path to specific power in excess of 100 W/kg within a year. Achieving higher values will require diodes with smaller backlash; a number of devices were characterized as part of the development of a scaling model, and several reversible diodes were developed. Base-driven resonant drive was explored, which could enable impedance matching to a load, while avoiding stack tensile stress limits. A nonlinear transmission that increases power transfer in linear-to-rotary motion by 40% was also demonstrated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414239
Entities
People
- Eric M. Mockensturm
- Gary H. Koopmann
- George A. Lesieutre
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University