Magnetostrictive actuators with large displacement and fast response

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) with large displacement and fast response. An elliptical flexure hinge lever amplification structure is designed and applied in the GMA. The finite element method is adopted for analyzing and optimizing flexure hinge geometry. Furthermore, the coil and magnetic circuit are studied to improve the driving system. Static and dynamic performances of the GMA are tested. As a result, displacement output amplification ratio can be 2.68 times in the static test. The dynamic performance testing indicates that the GMA with amplification structure can achieve a steady output on average of 140 µm between 0 and 130 Hz driving by 240 Oe, and the time response is 0.6 ms. These results show that large displacement and fast response are obtained simultaneously.