This paper describes the design, simulation and testing of a piezoelectric spool valve. An actuator has been connected to the valve and tested under closed loop control. A mathematical model of the valve was produced and a prototype of the valve was tested. The mathematical model is validated against the experimental data. Step and frequency responses for both the valve and actuator are presented. It was found that displacement of the hydraulic fluid by the ring bender had an impact on the valve performance. To reduce the effect of the piezoelectric hysteresis, closed loop spool position control was evaluated. A noticeable difference can be observed between open loop and closed loop performance.
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