Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
orthoplanar spring, piezoelectric crystals, generating electricity
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
This research focused on developing a new actuator/motor by integrating two previously unrelated technologies. In the past, piezoelectric crystals have been used primarily to measure acceleration in the engineering field, because of their unique nature of generating electricity when changes in their position occur. Modern researchers now use piezoelectric crystals in the opposite way, in that they put electricity through the crystals, causing them to expand or contract. The ability to cause the crystals to expand/contract merely by having a voltage difference across the crystal represents a whole new method of creating actuators/motors.
Recommended Citation
Shelley, Aaron and Howell, Dr. Larry
(2014)
"A Compliant Orthoplanar Piezoelectric Actuator,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 126.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/126