Rainbow actuators and sensors: a new smart technology

Gene H. Haertling

doi:10.1117/12.267101

14 February 1997 Rainbow actuators and sensors: a new smart technology

Gene H. Haertling

Proceedings Volume 3040, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Materials Technologies; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267101
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Recent developments in the technology of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, electrostrictive and antiferroelectric ceramic actuators have clearly demonstrated that the materials required for future applications such as positioners, levelers, pumps, vibration-free structures and variable-focus elements will need to be more sophisticated (multifunctional and smart), more economical and possess a higher degree of performance than presently available. One recently developed method for producing considerably higher- than-normal displacement in these materials is known as the RAINBOW (Reduced and INternally Biased Oxide Wafer) technology. This acronym denotes the basic active structure of the Rainbow device which is produced by a special high temperature chemical reduction process. In its most basic sense, a Rainbow can be considered to be a pre-stressed, monolithic, axial-mode bender; however, because of its unique dome or saddle-shaped configuration, it is able to produce much higher displacements (up to several mm depending on size) and sustain moderate loads (up to 10 kg depending on thickness) than normal benders such as unimorphs and bimorphs. The technology of producing and characterizing such Rainbows as well as methods for increasing their utility by means of stacked actuators for increased linear displacement and matrix arrays for enhanced coverage in wide-area applications such as smart skins, autoleveling structures and deformable coatings are described.

Citation Download Citation

Gene H. Haertling "Rainbow actuators and sensors: a new smart technology", Proc. SPIE 3040, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Materials Technologies, (14 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267101

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available