Pages 167-168
The displacement and polarization switching properties of piezoelectric laminated actuators have been investigated theoretically, numerically and experimentally. A laminated beam theory solution is developed for the piezoceramic/metal/piezoceramic actuator, and the effects of electric fields on the displacements of the actuators are analyzed. A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis is also employed. Bending tests are used to validate the numerical predictions, using laminated actuators made with PZT piezoelectric layers and Fe-48%Ni host material. Good agreement is obtained between the tests and predictions.
