Abstract

The objective of this research is to present a proof-of-concept design of an inchworm-type piezoelectric actuator with output of maximum displacement and force (or power) for shape control and vibration control of adaptive truss structures. The proposed inchworm actuator adopts "pusher" type with frictional clamping mechanisms and similar to most inchworm-type actuators it consists of three main components: two clamping or braking devices and expanding device. The central expanding device consists of a longitudinal PZT stack and a thin wall tube to provide extension-contraction motion and output force. The clamping device consists of the same tubular type PZT stack, a compliant mechanism to amplify the displacement of PZT stack, and a pre-load mechanism. The compliant mechanism consists of three flexure clamps with flexible hinges, two support rings with adjustable screws and two cover wafers, which integrate all three flexure clamps into a compliant frame. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)