Advanced Conformal Piezoceramic Actuators

ACX proposes to develop durable and reliable conformal geometry actuator packages. These packages will have the ability to operate as linear actuators for motion control applications as well as to conform to structures with curved surfaces for applications requiring induced strain actuation. These packages provide a protective skin offering electrical isolation, and provide a means for integration of sensors, signal conditioning, and control electronics. The process needed to fabricate these packages will be tested and refined. Several prototypes will be fabricated for further testing and evaluation for their target applications. The actuator packages developed will be manufacturable in high volumes, easy to integrate into existing structures, and exhibit high operational reliability and durability. The manufacturing of these curved geometry piezoceramic packages will involve building upon existing ACX techniques, currently used to manufacture the QuickPack (r) (with flat sheet piezoceramics), and development of improved methods for fabricating these devices. The ability to manufacture conformal geometry actuator packages opens up a host of potential applications for piezoceramics. These include valve and pump applications which require robust, low cost, low power actuators in which a high performance conformal geometry actuator package could be beneficial. In addition, curved surface applications include vibrations in aircraft engine parts, motor casing noise emission, and compressor shell vibration.