Distributed shell control with a new multi-DOF photostrictive actuator design

With the photovoltaic effect and the converse piezoelectric effect, the lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) actuator can transform the narrow-band photonic energy to mechanical strain/stress—the photodeformation effect. This photodeformation process can be further used for non-contact precision actuation and control in various structural, biomedical and electromechanical systems. Although there are a number of design configurations of distributed actuators, e.g., segmentation and shaping, been investigated over the years, this study is to explore a new actuator configuration spatially bonded on the surface of shell structures to enhance the spatial modal controllability. A mathematical model of a new multiple degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) photostrictive actuator configuration is presented first, followed by the photostrictive/shell coupling equations of a cylindrical shell structure laminated with the newly proposed multi-DOF distributed actuator. Distributed microscopic photostrictive actuation and its contributing components of a one-piece actuator and the multi-DOF actuator are evaluated in the modal domain. Effects of shell's curvature and actuator's size are also evaluated. Parametric analyses suggest that the new multi-DOF distributed actuator, indeed, provides better performance and control effect to shell actuation and control. This multi-DOF configuration can be further applied to actuation and control of various shell and non-shell structures.     

Glassy photomechanical liquid-crystal network actuators for microscale devices

In light-driven liquid-crystal network (LCN) actuators, large performance improvements are obtained by varying the orientation of the molecular director through the thickness of the film actuator. Experiments show that sub-millimeter bending radii are achieved using a splayed molecular orientation. Systems with a splayed or twisted nematic (TN) director profile drive greater amplitude and faster bending than uniaxial planar systems with the same chemical composition. The bending radii of these systems are predicted using a simple model including effects of light intensity, material composition and actuator thickness. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material in form of video file available from the Journal web page at and are accessible for authorised users.     

FEM simulation of the Nitinol wire

In recent years, one of the most promising new actuator technologies is based on the use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The main challenge for the application of devices that use these materials is the hysteresis in the phase transition they suffer during actuation. Finite element analysis (FEA) is an important aid in the simulation of mechanical properties and thermal fields in actuators. Dynamic simulations give in many cases enough information without the necessity of building a prototype. We have used ABAQUS to simulate a Nitinol wire used in a micropositioning actuator. The model parameters, not given by the supplier but required by the FEA program, have been obtained by thermal and mechanical characterization of the material used. The output force is computed and compared with the measurements.     

A two-beam method for extending the working range of electrostatic parallel-plate micro-actuators

Electrostatic actuation is widely used because of its rapid speed and low power consumption. The parallel-plate actuator is one of the most basic, but also most common electrostatic actuators for Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) applications. The effective working range of parallel-plate actuator is limited to only one-third of the initial gap owing to the pull-in instability. Different strategies have been reported to extend the stable working range, but are mostly focused on improvement of the control circuit. In this paper, we aim to report some progress toward solution of the working range problem from the design of suspension beam. A suspension beam called “two-beam” is presented to achieve parallel-plate actuator with extended working range, but without penalties of complex control circuit and large actuation voltage. A bumper structure is employed in the design of two-beam to change the spring constant near the critical point of pull-in, and a two-layered polysilicon surface process is used to fabricate this two-beam structure. Theoretical calculation and numerical simulation indicate that the working range can be extended depending on the position and depth of the bumper. The fabrication of a 2×2 array of parallel-plate actuators suspended by four sets of two-beam is implemented, and a somewhat larger working range, i.e. about 50% of the initial gap is achieved in the experiment.     

碳纳米管-石墨烯纳米带过渡连接处的力学稳定性与热传导性质研究

任何的非平面连接,材料连接处的材料失配都能导致材料局部或整体性质的改变.本文以纵向拉开的碳纳米管(CNT)为研究对象,采用非平衡态分子动力学(NEMD)的模拟方法,通过改变CNT纵向拉开的剧烈程度,即CNT向石墨烯纳米带(GNR)过渡转变的开角大小,研究其力学稳定性和热传导性质的变化.结果表明,CNT到GNR的过渡越剧烈,连接处的开角越大,其局部热导率越高,单位长度的热阻越小;对于不同管径的CNT来说,连接处的最大开角恒定不变,为16.3°.     

Thermal,Mechanical, and Dielectric Properties of a Dielectric Elastomer for Actuator Applications

Dielectric elastomers (DE) are a new type of electro-active material, which is able to produce a large degree of deformation under electrical stimulation. The thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of the most widely used dielectric acrylic elastomer (VHB 4910), commercially available from the company 3M, were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) analyzer, respectively. DSC experiments on the VHB 4910 showed a glass transition at about ?40°C. VHB 4910 started to lose weight at about 250°C from the TGA study. The results of DMA indicated the storage modulus of VHB 4910 increased with frequency and had a strong temperature dependence of elasticity. The dielectric constant of VHB 4910 increased as a function of temperature up to 0°C, followed by a drop till 100°C. The mechanical and electrical efficiency of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) of VHB 4910 were analyzed. It was demonstrated that the actuation performance is dominated by the mechanical properties of the elastomer and is less influenced by the frequency and the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties; this may be used to guide the design of actuator configurations, as well as the choice of actuator materials.     

Effect of Thermal Treatment on Preshaped Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuators

A new method to fabricate ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators with a 3-dimensional preshaped form by a simple thermal treatment process is demonstrated. The effects of the thermal treatment process on the properties of the actuator are analyzed and the characteristics of the actuator, such as stiffness, displacement and resonance, generating force, and repeated motions, are compared with those of unheated IPMC actuators. The experimental results show that thermal-treated IPMC actuators have improved generating force as well as preshaping of the 3-dimensional form.     

Numerical and experimental investigations of actuating characteristics of laminated polyvinylidene fluoride actuator used on paraboloidal shells

The effect of a laminated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) actuator is analyzed when partially covering a paraboloidal shell. Models of control forces are established using the thin flexible shell theory and the membrane approximation. Analytical expressions of actuating forces and moments are derived and a parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effects of the physical properties of the actuator on the control forces. To verify the model, experiments were carried out on actuation and open-loop vibration control of a paraboloidal antenna with a much smaller actuator. The experimental results agree well with those obtained analytically. The results indicate the following: The laminated PVDF actuator (LPA) can provide effective control forces with low voltages. The control forces consist of actuating forces and moments, but the effect of the normal actuation force distribution is much greater than that of the actuation moments in controlling the normal vibration. The larger the curvature radius of the paraboliodal shell, the smaller the magnitudes of the required actuating forces. The magnitudes of actuating forces are approximately linear with the number of PVDF layers.     

Numerical model for the calculation of the electrostatic force in non-parallel electrodes for MEMS applications

In this paper, we investigate the electrical behavior of an electrostatic actuator made of a non-parallel plate's electrodes configuration. The resultant actuation force is caused by the asymmetry of the subsequent electric fringing-fields. This is designed due to the out-of-plane asymmetry of a non-stationary electrode and its two sides actuating stationary electrodes. The electrostatic force is numerically calculated through the results of a two-dimensional numerical solution of the electrostatic problem using Finite-Element Method (FEM). The main objective in this work is to examine the influence of the design parameters on the actuating resultant electrostatic force in this particular arrangement. Four key design parameters were examined: the width and thickness of the electrodes (movable and stationary) as well as the lateral and vertical separation distances between the movable and grounded electrodes. We found out, through several simulations, that both lateral and vertical offsets as well as the electrodes thickness are significant factors in the optimization of the performance of the actuator in such configuration, while the performance seemed to be independent of the electrodes widths. The resultant actuating force level increased with increasing the electrode thickness and with decreasing the electrodes lateral separation distance.     

Fabrication of ionic polymer actuator with graphene nanocomposite electrodes and its characterization

In the present study, a novel ionic polymer actuator employing a graphene nanocomposite (GN) as its electrodes was fabricated. By a conventional solvent mixing of a graphene nanopowder and polystyrene, a GN solution was prepared. The solution was then utilized in a dip coating process of an ionic polymer membrane, forming a thin liquid GN layer on the surfaces of the ionic polymer membrane. After removing the solvent from the coated film, the solidified conducting GN layer could be obtained, which was used as the electrodes in the ionic polymer actuator. An electrical property of the GN layer formed by the present method was characterized, confirming the possibility of the present GN in the actuator applications. Simple and reverse bending motions of the fabricated actuator were also investigated, verifying the usefulness of both the GN layer and the present simple fabrication method.     

Multilayer coaxial fiber dielectric elastomers for actuation and sensing

A simple dip-coating technique was employed to manufacture coaxial actuators with multiple layers of alternating dielectric and conducting layers. A thin rubber string was coated with an electrode–insulator–electrode structure, giving rise to a thin, fiber-like actuator with coaxial geometry. The process was repeated to achieve a compact multilayer actuator with up to three coaxial dielectric layers. Mechanical and electromechanical characterization of the actuators is presented, showing actuation strains up to 8% and proper voltage–thickness scaling behavior. Also presented is a capacitance vs. extension plot, demonstrating that these structures can be used for compact and accurate capacitive strain sensing.     

Modelling and characterization of a piezoceramic inertial actuator

An inertial actuator (also known as a proof mass actuator) applies forces to a structure by reacting them against an “external” mass. This approach to actuation may provide some practical benefits in the active control of vibration and structure-borne noise: system reliability may be improved by removing the actuator from a structural load path; effective discrete point-force actuation permits ready attachment to curved surfaces, and an inherent passive vibration absorber effect can reduce power requirements.This paper describes a class of recently developed inertial actuators that is based on mechanical amplification of displacements of an active piezoceramic element. Important actuator characteristics include resonance frequencies, clamped force, and the drive voltage to output the force frequency response function.The paper addresses one particular approach to motion amplification, the “dual unimorph,” in detail. A model of actuator dynamic behavior is developed using an assumed-modes method, treating the piezoelectrically induced stresses as external forces. Predicted actuator characteristics agree well with experimental data obtained for a prototype actuator. The validated actuator dynamic model provides a tool for design improvement.     

气动驱动变厚变曲率反射镜技术

以环形线负载驱动模型为基础,分析了环形线负载驱动变曲率反射镜难以兼顾大中心形变与高精度面形保持的原因;从薄板弹性理论出发,得到了一种气动驱动变厚变曲率反射镜物理模型.理论分析表明,将反射镜的厚度分布从等厚改为变厚,并采用气压均匀驱动替代推力环环形驱动,反射镜不仅能产生大的中心形变,而且在形变过程中的面形精度也远高于环形线负载驱动变曲率反射镜的.基于超硬铝反射镜样片的试验验证了对变厚变曲率反射镜的理论分析;试验中,反射镜初始面形精度接近λ/50(632.8nm),施加0.032 MPa驱动气压产生约22μm中心形变时,反射镜面形精度依然优于λ/20(632.8nm),证明该气动驱动结合变厚设计这一技术具有较大的应用潜力.     

主动光学技术在制造标准大反射镜中的应用

介绍了利用主动光学技术校正大型标准反射镜残余面形误差和重力变形的方法 ,研制了用于施加局部作用力的工具———机械式作动器的结构与性能 ,作用力的测定方法 ;位于不同位置的作用力引起的镜面变形量的测定与分析 ,与镜面最小面形误差对应的作动器作用力控制矩阵的求解等。对一块Φ2 30mm、中心厚 18mm、R880mm、玻璃材料为K 9的标准球面镜进行了面形误差校正实验 ,取得了较明显的校正效果。     

Metal catalyst-assisted growth of GaN nanowires on graphene films for flexible photocatalyst applications

We report the growth of high-areal-density GaN nanowires on large-size graphene films using a nickel (Ni) catalyst-assisted vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method. Before the nanowire growth, the graphene films were prepared on copper foils using hot-wall chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto SiO₂/Si substrates. Then, for catalyst-assisted VLS growth, Ni catalyst layers with thickness of a few nanometers were deposited on the graphene-coated substrates using a thermal evaporator. We investigated the effect of the Ni catalyst thickness on the formation of GaN nanowires. Furthermore, the structural and optical characteristics of GaN nanowires were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The GaN nanowires grown on graphene films were transferred onto polymer substrates using a simple lift-off method for applications as flexible photocatalysts. Photocatalysis activities of the GaN nanowires prepared on the flexible polymer substrates were investigated under bending conditions.     

A Highly Tunable Silicone-Based Magnetic Elastomer with Nanoscale Homogeneity

Magnetic elastomers have been widely pursued for sensing and actuation applications. Silicone-based magnetic elastomers have a number of advantages over other materials such as hydrogels, but aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles within silicones is difficult to prevent. Aggregation inherently limits the minimum size of fabricated structures and leads to non-uniform response from structure to structure. We have developed a novel material that is a complex of a silicone polymer (polydimethylsiloxane-co-aminopropylmethylsiloxane) adsorbed onto the surface of magnetite (γ-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles 7-10 nm in diameter. The material is homogenous at very small length scales (<100 nm) and can be crosslinked to form a flexible magnetic material, which is ideally suited for the fabrication of micro- to nanoscale magnetic actuators. The loading fraction of magnetic nanoparticles in the composite can be varied smoothly from 0 to 50 wt% without loss of homogeneity, providing a simple mechanism for tuning actuator response. We evaluate the material properties of the composite across a range of nanoparticle loading, and demonstrate a magnetic-field-induced increase in compressive modulus as high as 300%. Furthermore, we implement a strategy for predicting the optimal nanoparticle loading for magnetic actuation applications, and show that our predictions correlate well with experimental findings.     

Shape memory effect and linear actuators based on Cu-Al-Ni single crystals

Recovery stress generation under thermal cycling has been experimentally studied in clamped shape memory Cu-Al-Ni single crystals up to 9% reversible strain. It is shown that such crystals are capable of repeated force generation upon heating up to 600 K and single actuation when heated to 700 K with a maximal stress of 350 MPa. The main principles of designing cyclic linear actuators are considered and a technique for calculating their force characteristics is proposed. The calculation is based on the mathematical model of linear actuator.     

Dynamic evolution of vortex structures induced by tri-electrode plasma actuator

Plasma flow control is a new type of active flow control approach based on plasma pneumatic actuation.Dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) actuators have become a focus of international aerodynamic research.However,the practical applications of typical DBDs are largely restricted due to their limited discharge area and low relative-induced velocity.The further improvement of performance will be beneficial for engineering applications.In this paper,high-speed schlieren and high-speed particle image velocimetry(PIV) are employed to study the flow field induced by three kinds of plasma actuations in a static atmosphere,and the differences in induced flow field structure among typical DBD,extended DBD(EX-DBD),and tri-electrode sliding discharge(TED) are compared.The analyzing of the dynamic evolution of the maximum horizontal velocity over time,the velocity profile at a fixed horizontal position,and the momentum and body force in a control volume reveals that the induced velocity peak value and profile velocity height of EX-DBD are higher than those of the other two types of actuation,suggesting that EX-DBD actuation has the strongest temporal aerodynamic effect among the three types of actuations.The TED actuation not only can enlarge the plasma extension but also has the longest duration in the entire pulsed period and the greatest influence on the height and width of the airflow near the wall surface.Thus,the TED actuation has the ability to continuously influencing a larger three-dimensional space above the surface of the nlasma actuator.     

Supersonic cluster beam fabrication of metal–ionogel nanocomposites for soft robotics

Soft robotics is an emerging field targeting at the development of robotic bodies and architectures characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and motility typical of that of biological systems. The use of electroactive ionic polymer–metal nanocomposites able to reversibly deform in response to low-intensity electric fields constitutes a promising solution for the implementation of actuators into soft robots. Currently, the use of this class of nanocomposites is hampered by several drawbacks, mainly related to the mismatch between the mechanical properties of the polymer and the metallic electrodes compromising their stability and resilience upon cyclic deformation.Here, we report and discuss on the use of supersonic cluster beam implantation (SCBI) as an effective strategy for the fabrication of soft electroactive ionic polymeric nanocomposite actuators. SCBI relies on the use of supersonically accelerated beams of neutral metal nanoparticles that can be aerodynamically collimated and directed onto a polymeric target to generate thin nanostructured metal layers physically interpenetrating with the polymer.Soft electroactive actuators based on engineered ionogel and ionogel-based hybrid nanocomposites provided with monolithically integrated cluster-assembled gold electrodes will be discussed. These systems can undergo long-term bending deformation in a low-voltage regime, due to the nanostructured electrode resilience. The use of cluster-assembled nanostructured electrodes opens new opportunities for the high-throughput manufacturing of soft ionic actuators with excellent mechanical resiliency, high-performance actuation, and high durability.     

基于稳态电热拉曼技术的碳纳米管纤维导热系数测量及传热研究

利用稳态电热拉曼技术测量了碳纳米管纤维对流换热环境下的导热系数. 该方法基于材料拉曼信号与温度之间的关系, 实时探测一维材料在不同电加热(内热源)下的中心点温度, 利用对流环境下的稳态导热模型推导出材料的导热系数, 实现了一维微纳材料热物性的无损化和非接触式测量. 实验发现: 碳纳米管纤维的导热系数远低于单根碳纳米管的导热系数, 但高于碳纳米管堆积床的导热系数. 这表明碳纳米管体材料的热物性主要取决于内部管束的列阵和管束间的接触热阻.