Compact High Specific Power (HSP) Linear Actuator for Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS)

MDA has a need for various types of compact, lightweight motorized actuators for use in divert and attitude control systems (DACS) on ballistic missiles. DSM proposes the development of a high specific power (HSP) piezoelectric actuator to command thevalves in such DACS. The proposed actuator makes use of a friction amplification concept to provide extremely high clamping and driving forces. The principal design concept is to use the high power capabilities of PZT stack actuators vibrating at veryhigh frequencies to produce a macro-continuous motion at lower frequency and at much greater stroke than typically possible with PZT transducers. The proposed PZT actuator will provide high power density, high speed actuation, no power hold, low EMIinterference, increased reliability, and potentially a lower cost than current electromagnetic actuators. The proposed HSP actuator system is considered as a viable technology for use as the principal valve driver in divert and attitude control systems.Anticipated benefits include high power density, high speed actuation, no power hold, low EMI interference, increased reliability, and potentially a lower cost than current electromagnetic actuators. One of DSM's commercial customers, ATK Tactical SystemsCompany LLC, has expressed significant interest in the use of this type of motor concept in their DACS designs. Due to the actuator's high power density and efficient operation, it is projected to provide efficient motion for guidance and controlapplications throughout missile systems, airplanes, ships and submarines.DSM believes the proposed technology has significant merit that is substantiated by the interest expressed by Mr. Martin Minthorn (NAWCWD, China Lake, CA), who served as the Technical Monitor for a previous and related BMDO Phase I SBIR, and by theinterest demonstrated by Alliance Techsystems (ATK) for the work proposed in the Phase II proposal that was not awarded.