Curved piezoelectric actuator of bending type

New schemes of functioning of piezoelectric rod actuators of bending type are proposed on the basis of effect of interaction of piezoelectric transformation of cross section and initial curvature of longitudinal axis. Mathematical model of bending deformation of arc-shaped actuator caused by piezoelectric change of cross-section height is developed. Analytical solutions were obtained for the characteristics of the actuator depending on the geometric and electroelastic parameters of the structure elements. Dependences of actuator characteristics on value of initial curvature of its longitudinal axis and height of cross section for simple single-layer and composite three-layer actuators are numerically investigated. Range of curvature radius values of curvilinear actuator with composite cross section is established, at which value of blocking force exceeds corresponding value of force for rectilinear bimorph actuator.