BENDING OF PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS

An analytical solution of total deformations and stresses due to piezo electric deformations and to external force is given for piezoelectric bending actuators composed generally of n layers. The deflection w(L) of the free end and the blocking force P-B are discussed in detail fo r actuators composed of two or three layers. Actuators made from piezo electric ceramics show some deviations, i.e. hysteresis and non-linear ity, from predicted linear dependence of w(L) on the applied voltage. These deviations are due to the voltage dependence of piezoelectric pa rameters in this material.