Application of piezo-composite actuator to control surface of small missile robot

Abstract

In this study, a new type of control surface for a small supersonic missile robot has been designed and manufactured using piezo-composite actuator. This study is to replace the conventional heavy hydraulic or electro-magnetic motor actuator by lightweight and simple piezo-composite smart actuator. The piezo-composite actuator is composed of a piezoelectric ceramic layer, a carbon/epoxy layer and glass/epoxy layers. One side of piezo-composite actuator was fixed on missile fin end part. A simple demonstration model was manufactured and evaluated through experimental test. From the performance test result, it was found that the bimorph type actuator could produce more stable angle of attack irrelevant to its load.