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Testing of amplified piezoelectric actuator in a combined vibration and acceleration
19 June 2023
Sandia National Laboratories has previously tested a capability to impose a 7.5 g-rms (30 g peak) radial vibration load up to 2 kHz on a 25 lb object with superimposed 50 g acceleration at its centrifuge facility. This was accomplished by attaching a 3,000 lb Unholtz-Dickie mechanical shaker at the end of the centrifuge arm to create a “Vibrafuge”. However, the combination of non-radial vibration directions, and linear accelerations higher than 50g’s are currently not possible because of the load capabilities of the shaker and the stresses on the internal shaker components due to the combined centrifuge acceleration.
Development of magnetic fast steering mirror prototype for optical pointing applications
7 June 2018
Fast Steering Mirrors are core products continuously developed by Cedrat Technologies (CTEC) for optical pointing applications, for Space, and Optronic domains. During the last decade, main development efforts where focused on piezoelectric mechanisms technology, in order to achieve ultra-high frequency bandwidth control performance over small angle strokes. New applications under maturation in Europe, such as laser optical communication, require much higher angle strokes compared to the existing state of the art, which cannot be easily achieved by piezoelectric technology. Therefore CTEC is focusing on the development of a new Fast Steering Mirror family based on high angle stroke magnetic actuators. This paper presents this new steering mechanism concept, and the prototype performance results expected.
The design and qualification of the piezo actuated
19 June 2023
As part of the Lisa Technology Package (LTP) on board the LISA-PATHFINDER spacecraft, the LISAPATHFINDER interferometer is of the heterodyne Mach-Zehnder type. It requires as input two light beams derived from the same source but with a small frequency difference (a few kHz). These two optical beams are produced in the Laser Assembly (LA) via the “Laser Modulation Unit” (LMU). The LMU includes an optical bench, two Acousto-Optic Modulators and two Optical Delay Lines [1].
Development of the plain bearing and flexure bearing MICA300CM actuator
7 May 2018
The MICATM linear actuator family (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator) is being continuously improved at CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) for applications needing high controllable stroke, force, and power. The MICA300CM is a new actuator model, having improved configuration based on cylindrical shape. A first version based on plain bearing offers up to 12mm stroke and 300N continuous force with a weigh of only 3kg. A second version is based on new frictionless flexure bearings. The former one is especially designed to achieve zero maintenance over several years of operation, with high efficiency, infinite resolution, and high controllability performance. This version of the MICA300CM has been derived to offer a proof mass configuration, for vibrationcancellation applications on machining processes. A latest version is also currently under design, and prototyping, specifically for reciprocating power piston applications, such as compressors, pressure wave generators, and pumps. Its high efficiency, ultra-long lifetime capability, and compactness, makes it perfectly suitable for embedded thermal machines based on Stirling, Joules Thomson, and Rankin Thermodynamic cycles. This paper presents this 4 design concepts, their test results and perspective for applications.
Tool adaptor for active vibration control in turning operations
19 June 2023
A tool adaptor with built-in active vibration damping device to dynamically stabilize the turning process is presented in this paper. It can be used in standard CNC-lathes and allows the usage of off-the-shelf tool heads. The vibration compensation system is based on a multilayer piezoactuator that is in collocation with a piezoelectric force sensor. An analogue controller based on the integral force feedback method is used for active damping.
High performance synthetic jet actuator for aerodynamic flow improvement over airplane wings
7 June 2018
In the framework of a French National Program, the project ASPIC aims at using synthetic jet actuators to improve aerodynamic performance of aircrafts. The partnership between Cedrat Technologies (CTEC) and the French Aerospace Lab (ONERA) in this project has led to design, manufacture and test a high efficiency innovative synthetic jet actuator. This device relying in part on an ONERA patent is actuated by a CTEC amplified piezoactuator (APA). Its aim is to provide a high speed synthetic jet compatible with flow control application on aircrafts or any other vehicle. Latest available test results and experimental performances of the ASPIC synthetic actuator are presented in this document: in particular, a peak exit velocity of 135m.s-1 during suction, and of 150m.s-1 during blowing, with an optimal actuation frequency bandwidth between 200 and 300Hz.
