Modeling the dynamics of removable and reusable piezoelectric patch-type actuators

Piezoelectric actuators are being used in increasingly complex structures. An actuator that can be removed and used again would be beneficial in testing actuator placement before the permanent actuator would be attached. Furthermore, an actuator that has similar response characteristics to the permanent actuator would be beneficial in estimating the response characteristics of the actuator before it is attached. A concept for such a removable, reusable actuator has been developed, constructed, and used. This paper describes the differences in authority among three removable, reusable actuators as compared to a permanent actuator. The permanent actuator is bonded to the host structure with only strain gauge cement. This paper also quantifies the changes in authority of the three removable, reusable actuators as they are removed several times from the host structure. When comparing removable and permanent actuators, the stiffer bonding technique typically had greater actuation authority. When comparing authority reduction of removable actuators over ten applications of the actuator, greater reduction occurred with actuators that incorporated a stiffener.