Piezoelectric Actuators—A Special Issue in Honor of Prof. Dr. Kenji Uchino

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuator Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 32350

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518061, China
Interests: piezoelectric actuators and ultrasonic motors; piezoelectric ceramic and polymer materials; magnetoelectric composite materials and magnetic sensors; 3D printing fabrication of piezoelectric composite materials and devices
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Guest Editor
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk 38541, Korea
Interests: ferroelectric materials; multiferroics; piezoelectric ceramics; functional ceramic materials and devices; piezoelectricity; energy harvesting; energy storage; actuators; material characteristics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Actuators is currently inviting the submission of high-quality articles for a Special Issue in honor of Prof. Kenji Uchino, one of the pioneers of piezoelectric actuators and electro-optic displays. Prof. Uchino is the professor emeritus of School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Pennsylvania State University, and was also the director of the International Center for Actuators and Transducers (ICAT). In the more than 50 years of research, Prof. Uchino’s interest areas covered dielectric/piezoelectric/ferroelectrics materials, piezoelectric actuators, micro-ultrasonic motors, piezoelectric transformers, energy harvesting, and robotics. He is known as the inventor of the following famous topics: (1) lead magnesium niobate (PMN)-based electrostricive materials, (2) cofired multilayer piezoelectric actuators (MLA), (3) superior piezoelectricity in relaxor-lead titanate-based piezoelectric single crystals (PZN-PT), (4) photostrictive phenomenon, (5) shape memory ceramics, (6) magnetoelectric composite sensors, (7) transient response control scheme of piezoelectric actuators (Pulse-Drive technique), (8) micro ultrasonic motors, (9) multilayer disk piezoelectric transformers, and (10) piezoelectric loss characterization methodology. He has authored more than 584 papers, 78 books, and 33 patents on the subject of piezoelectric actuators and optical devices. (For an overview of Prof. Uchino’s significant research accomplishments, please visit: https://www.eecs.psu.edu/departments/directory-detail-g.aspx?q=KXU1). Moreover, he is also committed to promoting industrial developments. He was the senior vice president of Micromechatronics Inc., a spin-off company of ICAT, where he is trying to commercialize ICAT-invented piezoelectric actuators and transducers. Additionally, he has served as a consultant for more than 100 Japanese, American, and European industries to commercialize piezoelectric actuators and electro-optic devices.

To express our gratitude for Prof. Uchino’s great scientific contributions, we invite you to contribute a research article to provide an overview or demonstrate original innovations in the areas of piezoelectric actuators and motors, piezoelectric energy harvesters, piezoelectric transformers, transducer, sensors, piezoelectric ceramics and polymers, smart materials, etc. We look forward to working with you in this commemorative Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Shuxiang Dong
Prof. Dr. Jungho Ryu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • piezoelectric actuators and motors
  • piezoelectric energy harvesters
  • piezoelectric transformers
  • piezoelectric ceramics and polymers
  • transducer
  • sensors
  • smart materials

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4720 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Crystal Structure on the Piezoelectricity of [001]-Textured (Na, K)(Nb, Sb)O3-SrZrO3-(Bi, Ag)ZrO3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Thick Film
by Su-Hwan Go, Dae-Su Kim, Yeon-Gyeong Chae, Seok-June Chae, Eun-Ji Kim, Hyeon-Min Yu, Bum-Joo Kim, Seok-Jung Park, Joun-Ho Lee and Sahn Nahm
Actuators 2023, 12(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12020066 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1756
Abstract
An amount of 3.0 mol% NaNbO3 seeds was used to align the grains of 0.96(Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.93Sb0.07)O3-(0.04−x)SrZrO3-x(Bi0.5Ag0.5)ZrO3 [NKNS-(0.04−x)SZ-xBAZ] thick films (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) along the [...] Read more.
An amount of 3.0 mol% NaNbO3 seeds was used to align the grains of 0.96(Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.93Sb0.07)O3-(0.04−x)SrZrO3-x(Bi0.5Ag0.5)ZrO3 [NKNS-(0.04−x)SZ-xBAZ] thick films (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) along the [001] direction. All the textured thick films had large Lotgering factors (>95%). The textured NKNS-0.02SZ-0.02BAZ thick film has a rhombohedral-orthorhombic-tetragonal (R-O-T) structure with a large proportion of the R-O structure (>80%) and nanodomains (0.7 nm in width and 6 nm in length). This thick film exhibited a large d33 value (760 ± 20 pC/N), kp value (0.58) and strain (0.16% at 4.0 kV/mm), with good temperature stability and fatigue properties. The high piezoelectricity of this thick film can be attributed to its high degree of texturing, optimized domain configuration, and the presence of nanodomains. The piezoelectric ceramic with a large d15/d33 value showed a large d33 value after [001] texturing because of the easy rotation of the spontaneous polarizations. Hence, the d15/d33 value can be used to select piezoelectric ceramics with large d33 values after [001] texturing. Full article
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21 pages, 8695 KiB  
Article
Impact Force Analysis in Inertia-Type Piezoelectric Motors
by Burhanettin Koc and Bülent Delibas
Actuators 2023, 12(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12020052 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
In an inertia-type motor, a piezoelectric multilayer actuator is espoused to a transient vibration velocity as high as 1.0 m/s during slip time. This vibration velocity makes the inertia-type motors dynamic but not quasi-static. We propose a kinetic model to describe the condition [...] Read more.
In an inertia-type motor, a piezoelectric multilayer actuator is espoused to a transient vibration velocity as high as 1.0 m/s during slip time. This vibration velocity makes the inertia-type motors dynamic but not quasi-static. We propose a kinetic model to describe the condition under which slippage can occur between a slider and a stator. The transient current absorbed by the multilayer actuators in a stator during slip time defines the slippage behavior of the slider. A new thickness-mode force factor expression (A33), which is a relation between the transient current and the transient vibration velocity, is described in electrical domain. Impact force acting on a friction coupler produced by the actuators in the stator is proportional to the rate of change in the transient current during the sliding time. Additionally, we present the structure and characteristics of a two-phase inertia-drive-type piezoelectric motor, on which the proposed model was evaluated. Driving the multilayer actuators with truncated and mirrored sawtooth signals enhances the system dynamics. As one actuator expands and the other shrinks, their respective hysteretic nonlinearities are canceled. The motor operating frequency can be as great as 30 kHz and typically load characteristics are unloaded velocity greater than 16.0 mm/s and generated force higher than 3.0 N. Full article
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17 pages, 4528 KiB  
Article
A Rotary-Linear Ultrasonic Motor Using MnO2-Doped (Ba0.97Ca0.03)(Ti0.96Sn0.005Hf0.035)O3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics with Improved Curie Temperature and Temperature Stability
by Cheng-Che Tsai, Sheng-Yuan Chu, Wei-Hsiang Chao and Cheng-Shong Hong
Actuators 2022, 11(9), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/act11090248 - 31 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
In this work, a cylindrical lead-free rotary-linear ultrasonic motor was attached to piezoelectric plates of MnO2-doped (Ba0.97Ca0.03)(Ti0.96Sn0.005Hf0.035)O3 ceramics using the first bending vibration to pull a thread output shaft of [...] Read more.
In this work, a cylindrical lead-free rotary-linear ultrasonic motor was attached to piezoelectric plates of MnO2-doped (Ba0.97Ca0.03)(Ti0.96Sn0.005Hf0.035)O3 ceramics using the first bending vibration to pull a thread output shaft of the interior of a stator. The effect of the proposed ceramics’ d33 and Qm values are the key factors for ultrasonic motors. Therefore, MnO2-doped (Ba0.97Ca0.03)(Ti0.96Sn0.005Hf0.035)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with high values of d33 = 230 pC/N, Qm = 340.8 and a good temperature stability of their dielectric and piezoelectric properties are suitable for application to linear piezoelectric motors. The structure of the linear piezoelectric motor was simulated and fabricated by Finite Element Analysis. The characteristics of linear piezoelectric motors were also studied. The output characteristics of the lead-free piezoelectric motor were a left-pull velocity = 3.21 mm/s, a right-pull velocity = 3.39 mm/s, an up-pull velocity = 2.56 mm/s and a force >2 N at 39.09 kHz for an input voltage of approximately 200 Vp-p (peak to peak). These results are comparable to those for a lead-based piezoelectric motor that uses PZT-4 ceramics. The proposed lead-free piezoelectric motors were successfully fabricated and used to pull a 0.5 mL commercial insulin syringe. Full article
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Review

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22 pages, 4385 KiB  
Review
Loss Determination Techniques for Piezoelectrics: A Review
by Yoonsang Park, Minkyu Choi and Kenji Uchino
Actuators 2023, 12(5), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12050213 - 21 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2459
Abstract
Nowadays, heat dissipation in electronic devices is one of the serious issues to be resolved in energy and environmental terms. Piezoelectric materials are being utilized in many electronic devices, yet the roadblock toward further miniaturization of piezoelectric devices was identified as heat dissipation. [...] Read more.
Nowadays, heat dissipation in electronic devices is one of the serious issues to be resolved in energy and environmental terms. Piezoelectric materials are being utilized in many electronic devices, yet the roadblock toward further miniaturization of piezoelectric devices was identified as heat dissipation. Three types of losses (dielectric, elastic, and piezoelectric) are known to be related to the heat dissipation mechanism of piezoelectric materials, therefore obtaining accurate values of the loss factors is essential for minimizing the heat dissipation of piezoelectric devices. The purpose of this review is to introduce several loss determination techniques for piezoelectric materials. The review starts with brief discussions of the loss factors and of the importance of piezoelectric loss that is related to the antiresonance frequency. Then, the review covers the methods developed by our research group, including High Power Piezoelectric Characterization Systems (HiPoCSTM), the crystallographic orientation method and the partial electrode method, as well as other methods such as the pulse-echo method and computer-based approaches. The review continues with a discussion of piezoelectric device modeling (analytical solution and equivalent circuits) that considers loss factors. Finally, the review provides concluding remarks for addressing current issues and suggesting possible solutions. Full article
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16 pages, 32931 KiB  
Review
A Review on Recent Advances in Piezoelectric Ceramic 3D Printing
by Jiwon Park, Dong-Gyu Lee, Sunghoon Hur, Jeong Min Baik, Hyun Soo Kim and Hyun-Cheol Song
Actuators 2023, 12(4), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12040177 - 18 Apr 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4833
Abstract
Piezoelectric materials are a class of materials that can generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, or vice versa. These materials have a wide range of applications, from sensors and actuators to energy-harvesting devices and medical implants. Recently, there has been [...] Read more.
Piezoelectric materials are a class of materials that can generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, or vice versa. These materials have a wide range of applications, from sensors and actuators to energy-harvesting devices and medical implants. Recently, there has been growing interest in using 3D printing to fabricate piezoelectric materials with complex geometries and tailored properties. Three-dimensional printing allows for the precise control of the material’s composition, microstructure, and shape, which can significantly enhance piezoelectric materials’ performance. Three-dimensional printing has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating piezoelectric materials with tailored properties and complex geometries. The development of high-performance piezoelectric materials using 3D printing could have significant implications for various applications, including sensors, energy harvesting, and medical devices. In this review paper, 3D printing methods for piezoelectric materials, their advantages and disadvantages, representative piezoelectric ceramics, and examples of 3D printing are presented. Furthermore, the applications utilizing these materials are summarized. Full article
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34 pages, 14498 KiB  
Review
Flexoelectric Effect of Ferroelectric Materials and Its Applications
by Dongxia Tian, Dae-Yong Jeong, Zhenxiao Fu and Baojin Chu
Actuators 2023, 12(3), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12030114 - 7 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3785
Abstract
The flexoelectric effect, which exists in all dielectrics, is an electromechanical effect that arises due to the coupling of strain gradients (or electric field gradients) with electric polarization (or mechanical stress). Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that ferroelectric materials possess a larger flexoelectric [...] Read more.
The flexoelectric effect, which exists in all dielectrics, is an electromechanical effect that arises due to the coupling of strain gradients (or electric field gradients) with electric polarization (or mechanical stress). Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that ferroelectric materials possess a larger flexoelectric coefficient than other dielectric materials; thus, the flexoelectric response becomes significant. In this review, we will first summarize the measurement methods and magnitudes of the flexoelectric coefficients of ferroelectric materials. Theoretical studies of the flexoelectric coefficients of ferroelectric materials will be addressed in this review. The scaling effect, where the flexoelectric effect dramatically increases when reducing the material dimension, will also be discussed. Because of their large electromechanical response and scaling effect, ferroelectric materials offer vast potential for the application of the flexoelectric effect in various physical phenomena, including sensors, actuators, and transducers. Finally, this review will briefly discuss some perspectives on the flexoelectric effect and address some pressing questions that need to be considered to further develop this phenomenon. Full article
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16 pages, 1701 KiB  
Review
Electromechanical Actuators for Haptic Feedback with Fingertip Contact
by Jueyu Chen, Edwin Hang Tong Teo and Kui Yao
Actuators 2023, 12(3), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12030104 - 25 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6267
Abstract
Haptic technology that provides tactile sensation feedback by utilizing actuators to achieve the purpose of human–computer interaction is obtaining increasing applications in electronic devices. This review covers four kinds of electromechanical actuators useful for achieving haptic feedback: electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive actuators. [...] Read more.
Haptic technology that provides tactile sensation feedback by utilizing actuators to achieve the purpose of human–computer interaction is obtaining increasing applications in electronic devices. This review covers four kinds of electromechanical actuators useful for achieving haptic feedback: electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive actuators. The driving principles, working conditions, applicable scopes, and characteristics of the different actuators are fully compared. The designs and values of piezoelectric actuators to achieve sophisticated and high-definition haptic effect sensations are particularly highlighted. The current status and directions for future development of the different types of haptic actuators are discussed. Full article
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24 pages, 5031 KiB  
Review
Strain Characteristics of PLZT-Based Ceramics for Actuator Applications
by Apichart Limpichaipanit and Athipong Ngamjarurojana
Actuators 2023, 12(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12020074 - 9 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2407
Abstract
Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics exhibit excellent dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, and they can be used in many applications, including actuators. In this review, the processing and properties of PLZT-based ceramics will be the main focus of the first part. An [...] Read more.
Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics exhibit excellent dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, and they can be used in many applications, including actuators. In this review, the processing and properties of PLZT-based ceramics will be the main focus of the first part. An introduction to PLZT ceramics is given and the methods to improve processing of PLZT-based ceramics are explained in terms of the addition of sintering aids, fabrication in the form of composites, and the application of dopants. The second part will be related to strain measurement to investigate converse piezoelectric properties (actuating effect). Strain measurement techniques by Michelson interferometry and case studies in PLZT-based ceramics (aging effect, temperature dependence and magnetic field effect) are included. Full article
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19 pages, 6183 KiB  
Review
Core–Shell Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles: Materials, Synthesis, Magnetoelectricity, and Applications
by Hyunseok Song, Michael Abraham Listyawan and Jungho Ryu
Actuators 2022, 11(12), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/act11120380 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5025
Abstract
Nanoparticles with small diameters and large surface areas have potential advantages and are actively utilized in various fields related to biomedical and catalytic applications. Multifunctional applications can be achieved by endowing nanoparticles with piezoelectric, quantum dot, magnetothermal, and piezoluminescent properties. In particular, multiferroic [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles with small diameters and large surface areas have potential advantages and are actively utilized in various fields related to biomedical and catalytic applications. Multifunctional applications can be achieved by endowing nanoparticles with piezoelectric, quantum dot, magnetothermal, and piezoluminescent properties. In particular, multiferroic magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) can generate electricity by coupling piezoelectric and magnetostrictive properties when an external magnetic field, which is harmless to the human body, is applied. In this regard, magnetoelectricity (ME) induced by a magnetic field makes MENPs useful for various biomedical and electrocatalytic applications. The ME voltage coefficients, which express the efficiency of energy conversion from magnetic field to electricity, show differences depending on the setup for ME measurements of MENPs. Therefore, numerous attempts have been made to optimize the ME characterization method to reduce measurement errors resulting from charge leakages caused by the specimen preparation, as well as to investigate the ME effect of a single nanoparticle. Our review is focused on the structures, syntheses (hydrothermal and sol–gel methods), activation mechanism, and measurement of magnetoelectricity, as well as applications, of core–shell MENPs. Full article
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