A single crystal lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate multilayer-stacked cryogenic flextensional actuator

Abstract

A “33” mode single crystal lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate flextensional actuator with large displacement, high load capability, and broad bandwidth was designed, prototyped, and evaluated at temperatures ranging from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures. Measuring 27.4 × 10 × 13.6 mm (height) overall and weighing 9.2 g, the actuator generates a 96.5 μm displacement in the Z-direction at 170 Vrms. The level of displacement remained constant under compressive loads up to 5 kg force. The actuator maintains 66% of its room temperature displacement at −196 °C. The measured displacements matched well with those modeled using ANSYS finite element analysis.