MULTIPHYSICS MODELING OF IONIC GEL ACTUATORS

2011 ◽  
Vol 1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huibiao Li ◽  
Meie Li ◽  
Jinxiong Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Large Deformation ◽  
Relaxation Processes ◽  
Polymer Gel ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Multiphysics Modeling ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
Large Length ◽  
Dc Current

ABSTRACTWhen an electrocatalyst, platinum, was coated on ionic-polymer gel surfaces and was immersed into an acidic formaldehyde solution, an input dc current will produce oscillatory ac on the surfaces of the ionic-polymer-metal-composites(IPMC), which eventually causes self-oscillatory bending of the actuators. Typical IPMC actuators have a large length-to-height ratio, exhibiting large deformation during bending and relaxation processes. A multiphysics modeling of self-oscillations of IPMC actuator was carried out, incorporating the electrochemical oscillations, electrokinetics, electrostatics and nonlinear large deformation of the actuators.

MULTIPHYSICS MODELING OF SELF-OSCILLATIONS OF IONIC POLYMER GEL ACTUATORS

2011 ◽  
Vol 03 (02) ◽  
pp. 355-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
HUIBIAO LI ◽  
JINXIONG ZHOU ◽  
MEIE LI
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Variable Cross ◽  
Polymer Gel ◽  
Tactile Sensors ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Ion Clusters ◽  
Polyelectrolyte Gel ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
Large Length ◽  
Dc Current

When the electrocatalyst, platinum, was coated on polyelectrolyte gel surfaces and was immersed into an acidic formaldehyde (HCHO) solution, an input direct current (DC) current would produce oscillatory voltages on the surfaces of the ionic-polymer-metal-composites (IPMC) actuator. The oscillatory voltages on the two electrodes caused the concurrent migration of counter-ion clusters, and ultimately a self-oscillatory bending of the gel actuator was realized. To model the complex multiphysics processes involved in this gel actuator with a typical large length-to-height ratio, the electrochemical processes occurred along each cross section through the height were regarded identically as a one-dimensional process, and the mechanical deformation of the actuator was simplified as the bending of a beam. Motivated by the development of micro-grippers and tactile sensors, self-oscillations of gel actuator with variable cross sections and subject to a spring constraint were simulated for the first time. The procedure outlined herein presents a versatile framework for the design, analysis and optimization of self-oscillating gel actuators.

Dynamic Characteristics of Novel Ionic-Polymer-Metal-Composites

2006 ◽  
Vol 321-323 ◽  
pp. 208-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Il Kwon Oh ◽  
Jin Han Jeon
Keyword(s):  
Large Deformation ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Platinum Electrode ◽  
Dynamic Deformation ◽  
Control Voltage ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Counter Ions ◽  
Polymer Metal

The IPMC, one of new sensing and actuating materials is known for the fast and flexible bending actuation upon electric fields. In this paper, we investigated the dynamic deformation characteristics of the novel IPMC according to several fabrication methods. First we studied the effect of the surface modification of metallic electrodes on the large deformation. Present results show that the sandblasting method can give more reliable and large deflections than the sandpapering method under the same control voltage because the platinum electrode can be infiltrated into the ionic-polymer by the sandblasting method. Second, the IPMC with Li+ counter ions shows more large deformation than that with any other counter ions. Also, present results show the dynamic hysteresis according to driving voltages.

An IPMC Actuated 3D Swimming Microrobot and its Propulsive Efficiency Analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 419-420 ◽  
pp. 785-788
Author(s):  
Xiu Fen Ye ◽  
Yu Dong Su ◽  
Shu Xiang Guo
Keyword(s):  
Autonomous Navigation ◽  
Water Electrolysis ◽  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Infrared Sensors ◽  
Metal Composites ◽  
Propulsive Efficiency ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Wireless Control ◽  
Polymer Metal

An Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) actuated 3D swimming microrobot is presented first. Inspired by biologic fins, passive plastic fin is attached to the IPMC strip to increase the thrust. Infrared sensors are equipped for wireless control and autonomous navigation. Then propulsive efficiency analyses are carried out. From the water electrolysis influence analysis of the IPMC, the best working voltage is confirmed. Finally, a two parts IPMC actuator is presented to improve the propulsive efficiency of the microrobot after the analysis of propulsive efficiency of caudal fin.

Biomimetic Applications of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC) Actuators - A Critical Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farid ◽  
Zhao Gang ◽  
Tran Linh Khuong ◽  
Zhuang Zhi Sun ◽  
Naveed Ur Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Metal Composite ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽  
Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Design And Manufacturing ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
Biomedical Field

Biomimetic is the field of engineering in which biological creatures and their functions are investigated and are used as the basis for the design and manufacturing of machines. Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) is a smart material which has demonstrated a meaningful bending and tip force after the application of a low voltage. It is light-weighted, flexible, easily actuated, multi-directional applicable and requires simple manufacturing. Resultantly, IPMC has attracted scientists and researchers to analyze it further and consider it for any industrial and biomimetic applications. Presently, the research on IPMC is bi-directional oriented. A few groups of researchers are busy to find out the causes for the weaknesses of the material and to find out any remedy for them. The second class of scientists is exploring new areas of applications where IPMC material can be used. Although, the application zone of IPMC is ranging from micropumps diaphragms to surgical holding devices, this paper provides an overview of the IPMC application in biomimetic and biomedical field.

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