Introduction
The document discusses the operation and design of Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) flextensional piezoelectric actuators (FPA), focusing on the PZT stack as the active element. The PZT stack expands with increased voltage, and this expansion is mechanically amplified by the solid-state kinematic elements in the metal frame.

Specifications and Design
The FPA design includes thicker metal sections connected by thin metal webs called flexures, which act as frictionless hinges. These are designed to flex within material fatigue stress limits. The FPA-80E actuator, for example, achieves an amplified motion of 80 microns from a piezo stack output motion of approximately 20 microns.

Contraction vs. Expansion
The FPA-80E is an expansion actuator, achieving a nominal displacement range of 80-90 microns. The piezo material can also contract under negative voltage. The actuator's spring wire preload keeps the piezo ceramic in compression, allowing for both contraction and expansion.

Kinematic Configurations
The document compares the FPA-80E and FPA-1100C configurations, illustrating how piezo material expansion can create either expansion/pushing or contracting/pulling actions. The spring preload enables bi-directional motion.

Summary
DSM's piezo-actuators utilize the piezoelectric effect to produce a range of actuator solutions. The FPA design offers compact, high-stiffness, highly-amplified motion. DSM also offers Leveraged Piezoelectric Actuators with higher dynamic bandwidth. These actuators are valuable in precision positioning, vibration control, and scanning applications, providing smooth, precise motion from sub-nanometer to multiple-millimeter levels.