Design optimization of dome actuators

This paper reports the conceptual design, analysis, and modeling of the ele ctromechanical behavior of dome actuators. The geometric parameters of the actuator (dome thickness, width, radius, and depth), poling direction, elec tric field, and material properties (elastic compliance, piezoelectric cons tants, and dielectric permittivity) have been taken into account in the mod eling work. The results of the analysis indicate that a dome actuator with a tangentially alternating poling direction and electric field (Case C) exh ibits much larger displacement and force responses than dome actuators with other poling directions and electric fields. The first mode of natural fre quency of the Case C dome actuator also was investigated, and its predicted performance was compared with that of moonie and rainbow actuators. The fi ndings of this research clearly demonstrate the merit of design optimizatio n of electromechanical devices.