in this paper, load and buckling mode of a smart column are presented. the theoretical model is a three-layer piezoelectric composite beam that behaves as an axial actuating mechanism. this actuator consists of an elastic core sandwiched between two piezoelectric active outer layers. the piezoelectric layers are polarized transversely, i.e., the polarization vector is parallel to the applied el...

A new design for a multi-layer dielectric elastomer actuator, reinforced with periodic stiffeners is presented. The resulting actuator enables complex out-ofplane motion without the need of the elastomer membrane prestretch. An in situ optical imaging system is used to capture the complex deformation pattern and track the non-planar displacement and curvature under the applied voltage. The role...

A new design for a multi-layer dielectric elastomer actuator, reinforced with periodic stiffeners is presented. The resulting actuator enables complex out-ofplane motion without the need of the elastomer membrane prestretch. An in situ optical imaging system is used to capture the complex deformation pattern and track the non-planar displacement and curvature under the applied voltage. The role...

BACKGROUND Semitendinosus/gracilis (STG) tendon autograft has been used effectively for restoring knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Though ACL reconstruction with STG autograft is an effective surgical technique for return to sports, short-term hamstring strength asymmetries exist after surgery. Although imaging evidence has demonstrated regrowth and reorganization ...

Adjustable compliance or variable stiffness actuators comprise an additional element to elastically decouple the actuator from the load and are increasingly applied to human-centered robotic systems. The advantages of such actuators are of paramount importance in rehabilitation robotics, where requirements demand safe interaction between the therapy system and the patient. Compliant actuator sy...

Abstract The energetic advantages of series and parallel elastic actuators have been characterized in the literature considering different systems tasks. These characterizations usually determine energy consumption a specific system during task generalize poorly. This paper proposes an characterization actuators, following analytical approach, rather than data-driven one. In particular, this wo...

the technique used to control the airflow is based on the electro-hydrodynamic actuator which is also called plasma actuator. this actuator ensures the airflow control thanks to the electric wind created by the electrical corona discharge. this ionic wind is developed at the profile surface tangential to the initial free airflow so that it has a significant effect on the boundary layer flow. th...

Elastomeric dielectric material has recently become a new alternative for actuator technology. The characteristics of dielectric elastomers placed between two electrodes to withstand large strain when electrodes are charged has attracted the attention of many researcher to study this material for actuator technology. Thus, in the past few years Danfoss Ventures A/S has established their own die...

The behaviour of a piezoelectric actuator is strongly affected by the bonding condition along the interface between the actuator and the host structure. The current paper represents an analytical study of the static effect of the mechanical and geometrical properties of the adhesive layer on the coupled electromechanical behaviour of a thin piezoceramic actuator bonded to an elastic medium. An ...

We demonstrated a liquid lens whose focal length can be controlled by an actuator. The lens cell is composed of elastic membrane, planar glass plate, a periphery sealing ring, and a liquid with a fixed volume in the lens chamber. Part of the periphery sealing ring is excavated to form a hollow chamber which functions as a reservoir. This hollowed periphery is surrounded by an exterior rubber me...