Characterization of the linear and non-linear dynamic performance of RAINBOW actuator

In the last few years the technology of using piezoelectric actuators for applications requiring large displacements such as loudspeakers and noise-cancelling devices has undergone significant development. RAINBOW (Reduced and INternally Biased Wafer) is a novel high displacement actuator and knowledge of its dynamic response is indeed essential for these applications. In an attempt to characterize the RAINBOW, measurements were made of important lumped mechanical and electrical parameters. Cantilevers of different dimensions were cut from RAINBOW discs. The data include measurements of the mechanical displacement (under both quasistatic conditions and electromechanical resonance), hysteresis, mechanical quality factor and the electrical impedance of RAINBOW cantilevers. These measurements demonstrate the macroscopic effects of the sinusoidal applied electric field and indicate significant non-linearities in the RAINBOW device.