Characterisation of actuation properties of piezoelectric bi-stable carbon-fibre laminates

This paper characterises the properties of bi-stable carbon fibre composites actuated using a macro fibre piezoelectric actuator. An unsupported piezoelectric–laminate combination was evaluated in terms of its blocking force, free displacement and load–displacement characteristics. Linear relationships between blocking force and free displacement with applied voltage were observed when the piezoelectric–laminate combination was actuated in a single stable state. The load–deflection characteristics indicate that significant control of the snap-through force could be achieved with applied voltage.