# Experimental Validation of Two Types of Force Actuators: A Performance Comparison

## TL;DR

This paper compares two types of piezoelectric actuators and finds that one produces significantly higher force and power flow.

## Contribution

The study experimentally validates actuator models and identifies performance differences between two actuator types.

## Key findings

- The frame-type actuator produces significantly higher transmitted forces than the inertial-type actuator.
- The mechanical and piezoelectric parameters of the models were experimentally identified and validated.
- The performance disparity between the two actuators is explained, aiding in their design and optimization.

## Abstract

This paper experimentally investigates the performance of piezoelectric force actuators. Using the same encapsulated piezoelectric stack, an inertial-type actuator and a frame-type actuator are constructed for performance comparison. The experimental results are also used to validate the recently established actuator models, whilst the mechanical and piezoelectrical parameters of the models are experimentally identified. The performance of the actuators is described by the transmitted force(s) and input power flow from the actuators to the base structure with reference to the same electrical input voltage to the stack. The validation is deemed successful due to the strong agreement observed between the measured and predicted actuator performances. Additionally, it is discovered that the frame-type actuator has the capacity to produce significantly higher transmitted forces and input power flow to the base structure compared to the inertial-type actuator. The mechanism underlying the performance disparity between these two types of actuators is also examined. This paper clarifies the mechanism, shedding light on the design and optimization of piezoelectric actuators.