Piezoelectric actuators used in nano-positioning devices exhibit highly non-linear behavior and strong hysteresis, which limits the efficiency of conventional non-model-based controllers. This paper presents a free energy model based on the theory of thermal activation for single crystal piezoceramics that couples mechanical stress and electric field. It is capable of predicting the hysteretic behavior along with the frequency-dependence present in these materials. The model is then coupled with a spring as a first step toward a 1-D model of a commercial nano-positioning stage and is the basis for future control applications. Quasi-static simulations are conducted to illustrate the effects of spring loading on the actuator behavior. A first step towards adapting the model for polycrystalline material is also presented. Simulations are shown to predict the rate-dependent strain response of a spring loaded polycrystalline stack actuator for various pre-stresses.

Date Published: 31 March 2009
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 7289, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2009, 728903 (31 March 2009); doi: 10.1117/12.816242

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7289:
Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2009
Zoubeida Ounaies; Jiangyu Li, Editor(s)