Topology optimization of bending actuators with multilayer piezoelectric material

This paper investigates the topology optimization of bending actuators with multilayer piezoelectric material. In this problem, the distribution of the control voltage and the structural layout of the actuator are optimized simultaneously. Constraints with regard to energy consumption and material volume are imposed on the optimization problem. Numerical techniques for sensitivity analysis are presented and the proposed optimization problem is solved with a gradient-based mathematical programming approach. Illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach.