Analytical analysis of a circular unimorph piezoelectric actuator in the range of low voltages and pressures

Abstract

In this study, the static displacement behaviour of a three-layer axisymmetric circular piezoelectric unimorph actuator subjected to voltage and uniform pressure loads for different mechanical and geometric properties of layers was investigated. The closed-analytical model of piezoelectric actuator based on the classical laminated thin plate theory was performed. Kirchhoff’s thin plate theory for the mathematical model in closed form of the actuator was utilized. The superposition of transverse and lateral deflections expressions was used to obtain the displacement equation of the piezoelectric actuator. Then, the analytical model solutions were compared by finite element model solutions. It was observed that the results obtained from analytical model and finite element analysis were sufficiently compatible with each other. The effects of nondimensional physical and mechanical properties on the static deflection performance of the piezoelectric actuator were discussed using the analytical model. According to the results obtained, the physical and mechanical properties of the actuator had significant effects on the actuator displacement. Therefore, the results obtained in this study can be used to optimize the performance of the circular piezoelectric actuator.