Solid-Fluid Hybrid Actuation: Concepts, Models, Capabilities and Limitations
Marc E. Regelbrugge, Eric H. Anderson · 2017
This paper addresses concepts, models and fundamental performance limitations of hybrid solid-fluid actuators. The actuators discussed incorporate solid-state driving elements such as electrostrictive, piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials to pressurize a working fluid which, in turn, is directed to a conventional hydraulic piston-type actuator for mechanical applications. First-principles models of hybrid solid-fluid actuators are derived and employed in simulation to estimate ranges of performance likely achievable from such devices in practice. The influences of various design and physical parameters are explored in the context of these models. The results of simulation studies indicate that achieving mechanical output power levels up to 75% of that theoretically obtainable based on physical properties of the solid-state driving elements should be possible with well-engineered, hybrid actuators.