FEM modeling of the piezoelectric driving system in the design of direct-acting diesel injectors

► An FEM model of the piezo-stack has been developed to predict the lift of the piezo-actuator. ► The complete model of the injector has been extensively validated against experimental data. ► The validated model has been applied to help develop the prototypal direct acting injector. ► The newly designed direct-acting injector has been tested on the hydraulic test-rig.