PowerAct Catalog

Prices updated January 2007.

Mide adheres to a 'Make-To-Order' policy, but maintains small amounts of stock for expedited requests. Non-expedited lead-time is 3-weeks. Thank you.

PowerAct - Conformable Piezoelectric Transducers

Mide's patented PowerAct™ transducer improves on conventional piezo actuators by adding conformability and directionality of actuation to the existing benefits of the QuickPack® packaged piezoelectric transducer product line. Using the proprietary QuickPack® packaging technology, the PowerAct transducer replaces monolithic PZT wafers with flexible, conformable elements created through a proprietary ceramic machining process. Standard PowerAct™ actuators are ideally suited for cylindrical surfaces, while custom devices can be manufactured for more complex surfaces.

Flexible Piezoelectric Technology

Midé's PowerAct offers a novel, low-cost, flexible transducer technology for structural actuation and sensing. PowerAct enables directional, conformable actuation in a simple, cost-effective product. The PowerAct takes advantage of a unique process to improve the flexibility of the otherwise inflexible piezoceramic. In addition, an interdigital electrode geometry enhances electromechanical coupling via the primary or direct piezoelectric effect resulting in greater performance and directional behavior.

Mode of Operation

PowerAct applies interdigital electrode to actuate the primary piezoelectric effect along its longitudinal axis. Thus with an electric field applied in the polarization direction, the PowerAct will extend along its length. It will contract across its width. This is illustrated by the dashed line in the figure below. This differs from the standard implementation where the electric field is applied through the thickness and the actuation is in-plane isotropic.

Advantages

• Flexible
• Directional
• High performance
• Low-cost
• PowerAct can be produced in a variety of sizes and compositions to meet the needs of specific applications

Example Applications

The PowerAct is well suited for actuation and sensing on shell structures such as:

• Aircraft skins
• Rotorblades
• Fuselage panels
• Antennas
• Payload fairings
• Industrial equipment

Potential applications include:

• Noise and vibration control
• Health monitoring
• Strain sensing
• Shape control
• Structural damping

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For more information:

Please email Conor Clery (Products), or call: 781-306-0609 x292