Abstract
Piezoelectric actuators are important parts for a smart reconfigurable reflector system and the actuators have to survive the shock loads experienced during launch. Impact tests of a piezoelectric actuator were conducted to evaluate the shock resistance of piezoelectric actuators. A failure of the piezoelectric actuator was observed after experiencing the shock load (QT level). In order to investigate the cause of the failure, the actuator was disassembled and characteristics of each peizo cells were measured. The results indicated that only the center cell was broken and it caused the actuator to malfunction. The other cells were health and retained good performance.
