Fabrication and characterization of an ionic polymer-metal composite bending sensor

The usage of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator as the propulsor for underwater robot has been worked out by many scientists and researchers. IPMC actuator had been selected due to its advantages such as low energy consumption, low operation noise and ability to work underwater. This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of the IPMC actuator. The IPMC actuator samples had been fabricated using electroless plating for three different thickness and lengths. The characterization was conducted to determine the influence of the thickness, length, input frequency, drive voltage and orientation angle on the tip force and output frequency. The results show that IPMC thickness has significant influence on the tip force generation and lower input frequency would results wider displacement. The recorded results are essential as future reference in developing the propulsor for the underwater robot.

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Characterization of the harvesting capabilities of an ionic polymer metal composite device

Smart Materials and Structures ◽

10.1088/0964-1726/17/01/015009 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 015009 ◽

Cited By ~ 76

Author(s):

J Brufau-Penella ◽

M Puig-Vidal ◽

P Giannone ◽

S Graziani ◽

S Strazzeri

Keyword(s):

Metal Composite ◽

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽

Ionic Polymer ◽

Polymer Metal

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Characterization of Sectored-Electrode IPMC-Based Propulsors for Underwater Locomotion

ASME 2011 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, Volume 1 ◽

10.1115/smasis2011-5155 ◽

2011 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Joel J. Hubbard ◽

Maxwell Fleming ◽

Kam K. Leang ◽

Viljar Palmre ◽

David Pugal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Power Consumption ◽

Robotic System ◽

Metal Composite ◽

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽

Ionic Polymer ◽

Marine Systems ◽

Polymer Metal ◽

Fish Fins

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators with sectored (patterned) electrodes have been fabricated for realizing bending and twisting motion. Such IPMCs can be used to create next-generation artificial fish-like propulsors that can mimic the undulatory, flapping, and complex motions of real fish fins. Herein, a thorough experimental study is performed on sectored IPMCs to characterize their performance. Specifically, results are presented to show (1) the achievable twisting response; (2) blocking force and torque; (3) power consumption and effectiveness; and (4) propulsion characteristics. The results can be utilized to guide the design of practical marine systems driven by IPMC propulsors. The design of an example underwater robotic system is also described which employs the IPMC actuators, and the performance of the robotic system is reported.

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Axial Motion Characterization of a Helical Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuator and Its Application in 3-DOF Micro-Parallel Platforms

Actuators ◽

10.3390/act10100248 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. 248

Author(s):

Yuwei Wu ◽

Min Yu ◽

Qingsong He ◽

David Vokoun ◽

Guoxiao Yin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Solid Mechanics ◽

Electrochemical Characteristics ◽

Metal Composite ◽

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽

Voltage Range ◽

Ionic Polymer ◽

Polymer Metal ◽

Motion Characterization ◽

Three Degree Of Freedom

In this work, a helical ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) was fabricated by thermal treatment in a mold with helix grooves. The axial actuation behaviors of the helical IPMC actuator were observed, and the electromechanical and electrochemical characteristics were evaluated. The experimental results showed that as the voltage increased and the frequency decreased, the axial displacement, axial force, and electric current of the actuator all increased. Compared with square wave and sinusoidal signals, the actuator exhibited the most satisfactory motion under the direct current (DC) signal. For the electrochemical test, as the scanning rate decreased, the gravimetric specific capacitance increased. Within a suitable voltage range, the actuator was chemically stable. In addition, we coupled the Electrostatics module, Transport of Diluted Species module, and Solid Mechanics module in COMSOL Multiphysics software to model and analyze the helical IPMC actuator. The simulation data obtained were in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, by using three helical IPMC actuators as driving components, an innovative three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) micro-parallel platform was designed, and it could realize a complex coupling movement of pitch, roll, and yaw under the action of an electric field. This platform is expected to be used in micro-assembly, flexible robots, and other fields.

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