Modeling liquid crystal elastomers: actuators, pumps, and robots
نویسندگان
چکیده
We model the dynamics of shape evolution of liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) in three dimensions using finite element elastodynamics. The model predicts the macroscopic mechanical response induced by changes in nematic order, e.g. by heating or cooling through the isotropic/nematic transition or, in azo-doped materials, by exposure to light. We model the performance of LCE actuator devices including multicomponent actuators, peristaltic pumps and self-propelled robots. The goal of this work is to build a bridge between basic soft matter theory and practical materials engineering/device design. Supported by NSF-DMR-0605889.
منابع مشابه
Nematic elastomer actuators
In this seminar, the liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and their building blocks – liquid crystals and polymers are presented. The specific rod-like molecular shape of liquid crystals forces LCEs to form a special molecular distribution of the underlying polymer network. This allows them expand up to 400 % with temperature, which could be used in applications. The physics of this spontaneous dis...
متن کاملMicro-actuators: when artificial muscles made of nematic liquid crystal elastomers meet soft lithography.
The production, via soft lithography, of micron-sized thermoresponsive pillars made of side-on nematic LCE leads to the formation of surface-responsive structures. The individual, monodisperse pillars, when cut out from the surface, behave as micro-actuators, showing contraction of around 35% at the nematic to isotropic phase transition.
متن کامل3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomeric Actuators with Spatially Programed Nematic Order.
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are soft materials capable of large, reversible shape changes, which may find potential application as artificial muscles, soft robots, and dynamic functional architectures. Here, the design and additive manufacturing of LCE actuators (LCEAs) with spatially programed nematic order that exhibit large, reversible, and repeatable contraction with high specific work...
متن کاملTopology optimization for the design of folding liquid crystal elastomer actuators.
Aligned liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are capable of undergoing large reversible shape change in response to thermal stimuli and may act as actuators for many potential applications such as self-assembly and deployment of micro devices. Recent advances in LCE patterning tools have demonstrated sub-millimetre control of director orientation, enabling the preparation of materials with arbitrar...
متن کاملModeling elastic instabilities in nematic elastomers.
Liquid crystal elastomers are cross-linked polymer networks covalently bonded with liquid crystal mesogens. In the nematic phase, due to strong coupling between mechanical strain and orientational order, these materials display strain-induced instabilities associated with formation and evolution of orientational domains. Using a three-dimensional finite element elastodynamics simulation, we inv...
متن کاملذخیره در منابع من
با ذخیره ی این منبع در منابع من، دسترسی به آن را برای استفاده های بعدی آسان تر کنید
عنوان ژورنال:
دوره شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2008