Piezoelectric Actuator for a 2-inch Isolation Cryogenic Valve

This project is focused on the development of a high-force, high-speed piezoelectric actuator for control of a 2-inch (≈5-cm) isolation valve application in a cryogenic vacuum environment. The piezo motor actuators on the two cryogenic isolation valves were successfully tested at NASA MSFC at 300 to 400 psi (≈2.07 to 2.76 MPa) flow pressure. The testing did not expose the piezo elements to temperatures below 0 °C. Iceramic piezo material has not failed under cryogenic testing to the date of this reporting.