Modeling and simulation of a new piezoelectric stack actuator with bi-direction outputs

In this paper, a new piezoelectric stack actuator is proposed, and the modeling and simulation are completed. Generally, piezoelectric stack can take significant compressive loads but cannot tolerate tension, so this new actuator is designed that can obtain obvious bilateral actuated outputs. This actuator is made of two piezoelectric stacks and a bilateral output device. By controlling the voltage polarity of two piezoelectric stacks, one is always under compressive loads in working. Firstly, the actuated principle of the new actuator is analyzed and a simplified drive model is given. Then, a linear model and a nonlinear model are built up, respectively. The nonlinear model is mainly in order to analyze the hysteresis of piezoelectric material. Moreover, the effect of the preload on the actuator is considered in the two models. Finally, the models are simulated by MATLAB software. The corresponding results indicate the actuated characteristics and the effect of some parameters. The simulated results of two models are also compared, and it is shown that the hysteresis is not neglected.