Modelling of piezoelectric actuators used in forging processes: principles and experimental validation

This paper deals with the modelling of a piezoelectric stack actuator used to generate specific low frequency vibration waveforms to assist forging processes. Experimental results show that such waveforms reduce the necessary forging force during upsetting tests. The main problems which remain are defining the appropriate waveforms, predicting their influence on the process and the actuator and designing the control. Due to the complexity of the interactions between the different components of the system, a complete model of the process is needed. Such a model is developed here using an energetic macroscopic representation to preserve causality throughout the modelling. Simulation results are then compared to representative experimental results.