Practical optimization of amplification mechanisms for piezoelectric actuators

A method for designing practical displacement amplification mechanisms for piezoelectric stack actuators was developed. The amplification mechanisms and the piezoelectric stack actuators were modeled using plane-strain finite elements. Optimal sizing and topology optimization were performed simultaneously to maximize the first natural frequency while satisfying free stroke and stress constraints. Optimal sizing variables were selected to control the kinematic behavior of the mechanism while a restricted variable thickness sheet topology optimization method was used to remove unnecessary material from stiff regions of the structure. Calculation of sensitivities was very efficient for the topology optimization variables but required the major portion of computational time for the optimal sizing variables. The method was applied to beam-type lever amplification mechanisms and two devices that included pre-stressing of the piezoelectric ceramics and pure translation of the output point were optimized, manufactured and tested. The results demonstrate that the method presented can be used to design amplified piezoelectric actuators that can be manufactured without interpretation by the designer.

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