Optimization of the Electrical Excitation for a Bionically Inspired Fluid-Actuator

We investigate a micromechanical bending actuator that generates a fluid flow through piezoelectric excitation of segmented electrodes. The bio-inspired structure is supposed to wave like the caudal fin of fish (the so-called undulatory movement), as the movement pattern enables a high degree of efficiency. We have developed a method to optimize the electrical stimulation of the actuator and thus evoke undulatory movement. As a result, we can describe the relationship between electrical stimulation and the resulting movement of the structure. We successfully validated the results of this approach by laser interferometry measurements.