DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC BIMORPHS COMBINED WITH MULTILAYER ACTUATOR USING FEM

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a new type piezoelec tric bimorph actuator that shows larger mechanical response than the c onventional design. The bimorph has a modified structure combined with either the multilayer or the Moonie shape actuator. The design and pe rformance analysis of the bimorph are carried out with Finite Element Method (FEM). Studied parameters are geometry and material properties of constitutional parts. Theoretical results show that the generating force and displacement of the bimorph combined with the Moonie shape a ctuator can be improved by about 125% and 150%, respectively. It was f ound that optimum metal angle in the cavity of the combined Moonie sha pe actuator is about 12 degrees. The displacement of the bimorph incre ases as either the metal becomes thinner or harder. Poisson's ratio of the metal does not affect the mechanical response of the bimorph.