Analysis and Optimization of Electromechanical Devices Based upon a Kinematic Model

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, an effective method for analyzing the electromechanical responses of piezoelectric devices is developed based upon a kinematic model. The predictability of the model is validated by comparing it with the results obtained from finite element analysis. Next, an example of optimization of the design of electromechanical devices is carried out. By using an alternate configuration of polarization, a one-fold increase in device performance has been realized. The model devices considered are an oval flextensional actuator and a moonie actuator with PZT ceramics. The results of this research effort benefit the design and fabrication of electromechanical devices, which now can be produced in increasing complexity using SFF techniques.