An investigation of the influence of substrate geometry and material properties on the performance of the C-shape piezoelectric actuator

This paper presents the results of measurements of free displacement and blocked force generated from piezo-composite unimorph actuators made from three different substrate materials (aluminium, brass and mild steel) of different thicknesses. Values of free displacement and blocked force were compared with the results from a finite-element analysis. An actuator with stiffer substrate material provides relatively larger force and less displacement. Conversely, greater displacement and less force are obtained from a less stiff substrate. It is hoped that this information will be useful to designers in selecting the appropriate size and substrate material in applications, depending on whether the desired goal is large displacement or large force.