Dynamic Performance of C-Block Array Architectures

Abstract The lack of adequate actuators has often been cited as the limiting factor in practical applications of smart structures. C-blocks are a building block actuation architecture that addresses the stroke limitations of stack architectures and the force limitations of bender architectures. Because these actuators are based upon piezoelectric materials, they are well suited for high bandwidth dynamic applications. This paper presents an investigation of the dynamic behavior of a generic C-block array architecture using analytical models derived from a unique transfer matrix method and experiments using four distinctly different types of prototypes. To gain insight into the dynamic behavior of the actuation architecture, a parameter analysis based upon both the models and experiments is given. The behavior of long series is found to display both bending and extensional type of behaviors, which can be well approximated with an appropriate equivalent straight bender model. For shorter series, the performance is more complex and the full analytical model is required. From the analytical models derived in this paper along with the insight gained from the straight bender and parameter analysis, it is possible to design and predict the dynamic performance of a generic C-block actuator for a given application which requires a midrange piezoelectric actuator.