Modeling of Bimorph Type Cantilever for Actuators

A general bending theory for multilayered cantilever with a point load is developed. Based on this theory, a magnetostrictive bimorph type cantilever is modeled for an actuator. The bending and loading characteristics of the cantilever system are discussed systematically, and the optimal conditions, namely the proper balance in choosing the sublayer and substrate thicknesses, as well as material selection, is presented for actuator application. Our discussion may be helpful to the designing and fabricating of the giant magnetostrictive cantilever actuators with more realistic and optimal geometry.