A Hybrid Actuator

Abstract

In this thesis, a new hybrid rotary motor using piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials is proposed. It is shown that electrically, these materials behave like a capacitor and inductor respectively. The novelty of this motor is the creation of an electrical resonant circuit, whereby the reactive power requirement on the power source is reduced. A simulation program with the elastic effects and a model of impact forces inherent in the design, is written to simulate the behavior of this motor. The constructional details of a prototype motor which has been built, is then presented. Finally an application of the hybrid actuator to helicopter flaperon actuation is presented as an example of its use.