Caterpillar Inc.

Jeffrey A Livingston

Chuong Q Dam

Carl A Kemner

Jack R Davis

Larry C Clemens

A testing apparatus determines the piezoelectric properties associated with the performance of a multilayer ceramic actuator. The actuator has a predetermined length, L.sub.1, and a predetermined cross sectional area, A. The actuator includes an axis and a plurality of piezoelectric elements with electrodes interleaved therebetween. The testing apparatus includes a pressure regulator which controllably supplies pressurized air. A pneumatic cylinder receives the pressurized air and responsively applies axial forces to the actuator. A load cell and associated circuitry measures the applied force on the actuator and responsively produces a force signal, F.sub.n. A fiber optic sensor and associated circuitry determines the axial displacement of the actuator and produces a position signal, L.sub.n, in response to the magnitude thereof. A computer receives the force signals, F.sub.n, and the position signals, L.sub.n, and responsively determines the effective modulus of the actuator, Y.sub.eff.

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Wichita, KS, United States of America

Jeffrey A Livingston