Abaqus Multiphysics / Piezoelectric-Mechanical / Piezoelectric Example

Ultrasonic motor design

Challenge

Ultrasonic motors can be extremely efficient when used in micro-devices. The drive for these motors is typically a stator made from a piezoelectric material which provides mechanical force when an electrical current is applied. Optimal design of these motors present many challenges including extensive use of mechanical moving parts and PZT elements, high torque, etc.

Solution

The Mutiphysics solution from SIMULIA allows the engineer to evaluate the performance and response of the motor under both static and dynamic conditions, taking into account critical nonlinear effects. This provides a realistic assessment of the motor's performance against a prescribed set of design criteria.

By performing sophisticated finite element analysis, design and performance issues are addressed prior to prototype production and testing. This reduces development cost and time-to-market and provides for a more reliable product.

Stator with piezoelectric base

The model represents a stator in an ultrasonic motor. Voltage fluctuations applied to the PZT material attached to the base of the stator induce vertical motions of the stator which eventually result in a traveling wave around its perimeter. The implicit transient dynamics procedure is used to examine the initial transients, which then evolve into a steady traveling wave.