Design Analysis of a 3–3 Mode Piezocomposite Actuator

In this paper, the design of a 3–3 mode unimorph piezocomposite actuator is evaluated using an analytical model. Adopting an effective lay-up structure established in earlier research by the authors, the actuator consists of an active layer operating with 3–3 mode actuation bonded to several other composite prepreg layers. The interdigitated electrodes through which the electric signal is applied to achieve 3–3 actuation along longitudinal direction are embedded into PZT ceramic. The asymptotic homogenization technique is used to calculate effective electro-mechanical properties of the active layer. These properties are then used in the analytical model to investigate the influence of the critical design parameters on the performance of the actuator through a defined coefficient. Optimal values of the active layer thickness are obtained for common electrode materials. The results demonstrate that metals having similar stiffness of the PZT ceramic are preferable as electrodes as they reduce the electrode width, bringing the design closer to an ideal case.