Design of a recurve actuator for maximum energy efficiency

In this paper we study the optimal design of recurve arrays. An analytic model of the static response of the recurve actuator with energy flow in the system is derived. Two optimization problems for the recurve array are formulated with material, packaging, and performance constraints. One formulation is based on minimum weight. The second formulation is based on energy efficiency. A genetic algorithm is used to find the optimum designs. Recurve arrays designed for maximum energy conversion efficiency are compared to those designed for minimum weight. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effect of the stiffness of the driven structure and the maximum deliverable voltage on the optimized designs. These optimization formulations are effective design tools for a relatively complex actuator.