A hybrid photovoltaic/flexoelectric actuation mechanism applied to precision actuation and vibration control of beams

Photo-driven flexoelectric actuators combine the advantages of wireless photovoltaic generator and flexoelectric precision actuation, and thus can realize non-contact precision actuation and vibration control of structures. This study presents a novel hybrid photovoltaic/flexoelectric actuation mechanism by using PbLaZrTi (PLZT) as a photovoltaic generator to drive a flexoelectric actuator consisting of an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe and a flexoelectric layer covered with an electrode layer. Spatial-time distributions of the opto-flexoelectric-induced control moments are calculated. Static deflection control and dynamic vibration control of cantilever beams are investigated, and independent modal control effects are evaluated. Analysis results demonstrate that this photovoltaic/flexoelectric actuation mechanism can effectively accelerate the beam damping process. The control effects by the Lyapunov controls are better than those via the proportional feedback and velocity feedback controls. The customization of modal control forces can be realized via a non-contact strategy by adjusting the light intensity and pre-illumination time. Design issues related to the optimal position of AFM probe and actuator size are also addressed.