Optimization of a Piezoelectric Mechanical Amplifier Actuator for Nano-Indentation

Abstract

In the present investigation, a piezo-stack actuator coupled with a flexible diamond shaped frame has been investigated for its mechanical amplification property. The piezo-stack under electrical excitation produces a longitudinal strain along major diagonal of the frame which gets amplified due to its diamond shape along the shorter diagonal. The effect of the thickness of flexural hinges used in the diamond frame on amplification has been studied with a view to optimize the stress and displacement. The effectiveness of the piezoelectric mechanical amplifier actuator as a nano-indenter has been studied and discussed in this paper.

Keywords:

• Piezo-force actuators
• mechanical amplifier
• flexure hinge nano-indentation