Design of Displacement-Amplified Induced-Strain Actuators for Maximum Energy Output

Abstract

General stiffness concepts for effective use of induced strain principles as they apply to quasi-static actuation of structures and devices are presented. The conventional induced-strain actuator is first reviewed. The effect of structural elasticity is then discussed. Basic principles of displacement amplification are presented. The influences of structural and amplification elasticity are then discussed. An example of effective induced-strain actuator design with displacement amplification is provided.