Mechatronics using piezoelectric actuators

Mechatronics has enabled "intelligent" machinery such as cai antiskid braki ng systems to be created. Any new automotive development has to incorporate a large number of mechanical servo functions, and the range of functions a nd requirements in servo technology is growing apace. New actuator technolo gies, therefore, give fresh impetus to product development and accelerate p rogress. Piezoelectric actuator's represent a new technology that offers a host of advantages. In combination with signal-processing electronics, the good mechanical and electrical integratability of piezoelectric actuators m ake these devices key elements in innovative, intelligent systems. This pap er presents prototype applications. Particular attention is focused on powe rful large-displacement piezoelectric actuators. The article also includes concrete characterization of piezoelectric actuator elements. To this end s pecific static and dynamic measurement methods were developed to characteri ze the elements under temperature and load influences. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Limited. All rights reserved.