Reversible Torsional Actuation of Hydrogel Filled Multifilament Fibre Actuator

Twisted polymer fibre actuators provide high torsional rotation from stimulated volume expansion, induced either by chemical fuelling, thermal stimulation, or electrochemical charging. One key limitation of these actuators is the irreversibility of torsional stroke that limits their feasibility when considering real-life smart applications. Moreover, scaling the torsional stroke of these actuators becomes difficult when these are integrated into practically usable systems such as smart textiles, due to the external and variable opposing torque that is applied by the adjacent non-actuating fibres. Herein, a simple composite type torsional actuator made of hydrogel coated commercial textile cotton multifilament fibre is demonstrated. This novel actuator is of high moisture responsiveness, given that hydrogels are capable of providing huge volume expansion and twisting the overall system can transform the volumetric expansion to fibre untwisting based torsional actuation. Theoretical treatment of torsional actuation is also demonstrated based on the change in torsional stiffness of dry and wet fibres as well as a few externally applied torques. The agreement between experimental measurements and theoretical estimation is found reasonable, and the investigation allows the near-appropriate estimation of torsional stroke before integrating an actuator into a smart system.

Investigating Polymer Fibre Optics for Condition Monitoring of Synthetic Mooring Lines

Synthetic mooring lines are becoming a popular alternative to conventional chain mooring systems. For marine renewable energy devices, they have been considered as an enabling technology for this nascent sector, given their reduced costs and ease of deployment. However, the extreme operating environment has led to an increased interest in the ‘in-situ’ condition monitoring of these mooring lines. This paper considers the use of polymer fibre optic technology and the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique for the condition monitoring of synthetic mooring lines. To establish the operating envelope of the fibres, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer optical fibres are mechanically tested. Additionally, an OTDR is used to monitor fibres whilst under elongation using a tensile test machine, and the sensitivity of the system in monitoring strain is established. At the lowest strain rate, the average proportional limit and yield points of the fibres are found at 1.16% strain and 5.41% strain, respectively. Fatigue exposure of fibres up to 1.25% strain identifies no measurable effect on fibres’ proportional limit or yield point. The occurrence of significant creep is identified for fibres strained beyond 1.5%. The OTDR system is able to identify strains at and above 4%. The study identifies important criteria that should be considered in the integration of polymer optical fibres for mooring applications. Limitations are discussed and suggestions for progressing this technology are provided.