Finite element simulation and optimization of piezoelectric suspensions

The resonance modes and the displacement sensitivity of a dual-stage, piezoelectric micro-actuator/suspension for high track density magnetic recording systems were investigated by finite element method (FEM). Theoretical dynamic and electrostatic analyses were performed to investigate the resonance frequency of in-plane bending mode and the displacement sensitivity of the piezoelectric actuator with different shapes. Based upon the analyses of piezoelectric actuators, the optimization of piezoelectric suspension was conducted to achieve a high resonance frequency of sway mode and large displacement sensitivity. The finite element simulation results on a planar piezoelectric suspension agree quite well with the experimental measurements using a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV). The optimized piezoelectric suspension demonstrates better performances than those of the planar piezoelectric suspension.