Analytical solutions for the transverse deflection of a piezoelectric circular axisymmetric unimorph actuator

This paper presents analytical solutions to the transverse deformation shape of a circular axisymmetric piezoelectric-metal composite unimorph actuator. The solutions account for both the influence of an applied electric field and a concentrated or uniformly distributed mechanical load. Using piezoelectric constitutive equations, combined with thin plate and small bending elastic theory, the generalized equation of motion for bending of thin piezoelectric-metal composite plates has been derived. Our approach predicts that there is an optimum thickness ratio between the piezoelectric and metal plates, which leads to a maximum combination of deflection and load carrying capabilities. Derived formulas are very simple that offer a quick method for engineering design and optimization of a circular unimorph piezoelectric actuator.