Rod-shaped piezoelectric actuator with radial polarization

This paper analyzes contact point trajectories of the rod-type piezoelectric actuator, which has circular cross-section and is characterized by the non-uniform polarization. Radial polarization is used to achieve flexural oscillations in perpendicular planes and to increase number of degrees of freedom of the contact point movement. Particular electrode pattern of the actuator was determined and contact point trajectories were studied under different excitation regimes. A prototype of piezoelectric actuator was developed and experimental measurements of contact point trajectories were performed. The results of numerical modeling and experimental study are compared and discussed.