| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R06168/01 |
| Title: |
Three Dimensional Characterisation and Modelling of Actuators In the Micro To Nano Metre Range |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bowen, Professor C |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Bath |
| Scheme: |
JREI |
| Starts: |
24 April 2001 |
Ends: |
23 April 2003 |
Value (£): |
69,164
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Bulk electroceramics provide elastic strains which are too low for many actuator applications (~0.1%). An increased strain can be achieved using a mechanical bias and often leads to a non-uniform displacement across the actuator. Example devices include moonies, RAINBOW's, unimorphs, bimorphs (cantilever benders), composites and multi-layer actuators which all produce an enhanced strain under an applied voltage and a non-uniform displacement over the whole device. The equipment sought will allow characterisation of the three dimensional displacement of the complete device under an applied electric field. As compared to standard single point measurements. Quantitative data regarding the displacement vs electric field characteristics of actuators is of importance in the design of actuator systems and will provide validation of finite element models that are currently used to optimise actuator performance by appropriate device geometry and materials selection. The equipment has a sufficient range of resolution and capability to allow characterisation to be undertaken on large actuators (cm dimensions) such a multi layer stacks for valve control, and micro sized devices and materials for micro mechanical systems (MEMS) or thick/thin-films.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.bath.ac.uk |