Nonlinear Response of the Macro Fiber Composite Actuator to Monotonically Increasing Excitation Voltage.

A nonlinear model for a piezoelectric continuum subjected to a monotonic increase in electric field under constant mechanical load is investigated. A general model is derived and then specialized for a piezoceramic-based material with anisotropic actuation and mechanical properties, for example, the Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator. This formulation includes the linear-elastic mechanical response, as well as linear and second-order piezoelectric behavior and a second-order electromechanical cross-term. Using previously published work by the same authors (Williams, R.B., Inman, D.J. and Wilkie, W.K. 2004. ‘Tensile and Shear Behavior of Macro Fiber Composite Actuators,’ Journal of Composite Materials, 38(10):855-870) dealing with the mechanical response of the MFC, this set of material properties is determined experimentally in order to characterize the response of this device to given external loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]