Research on an axial-mounted dual magnetostrictive material rods-based electro-hydrostatic actuator

In this paper, an electro-hydrostatic actuator driven by dual axial-mounted magnetostrictive material rods-based pumps (MMPs) with a new type of active rectification valve is designed in the current study. Based on flow distribution of the active rectification valve and driving energy provided by two MMPs, the actuator can output continuous and bidirectional displacement. By establishing a mathematical model of the actuating system, using simulation techniques, the change rule of hydraulic cylinder’s motion state caused by different driving signals are studied and analyzed. Test equipment platform is constructed in the laboratory to test the output characteristics and confirm the feasibility of the new concept. The experimental results indicate that the maximum flow rate can reach approximately 2.7 L·min−1, while the operating frequency is 180 Hz.