Fluid Flow in the Vicinity of a Vibrating Ionic Polymer Metal Composite: Part 1—Experimental Study

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean D. Peterson ◽  
Maurizio Porfiri ◽  
Alessandro Rovardi
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Aqueous Environment ◽  
Metal Composite ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Physical Experiments ◽  
Underwater Propulsion ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Flexibility

Low power consumption and activation voltage combined with high flexibility and minimal weight make Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) well-suited for miniaturized underwater propulsion systems. In this series of papers, we comprehensively discuss the flow field induced by an IPMC strip vibrating in a quiescent aqueous environment by performing complementary physical experiments and numerical simulations. The experimental results are presented in this paper. Planar particle image velocimetry is used to measure the time-averaged flow field of a vibrating IPMC. The momentum transferred to the fluid is computed to estimate the mean thrust generated by the vibrating actuator. We find that the mean thrust increases with the Reynolds number, defined by the maximum tip speed and IPMC length, and is only marginally affected by the relative vibration amplitude. Detailed understanding of the flow environment induced by a vibrating IPMC can guide the optimization of IPMC-based propulsion systems for bio-mimetic robotic swimmers.

A Twistable Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Artificial Muscle for Marine Applications

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwang J. Kim ◽  
David Pugal ◽  
Kam K. Leang
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Large Strain ◽  
Aqueous Environment ◽  
Driving Voltage ◽  
Metal Composite ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽  
External Stimulation ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Electromechanical Transduction ◽  
Polymer Metal

AbstractIonic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscles (AMs), due to their low driving voltage (<5 V), large strain, soft and flexible structure, and ability to operate in an aqueous environment, are suited for creating artificial fish-like propulsors that can mimic the undulatory, flapping, and complex motions of fish fins. Herein, a newly developed IPMC AM fin with patterned electrodes is introduced for realizing multiple degrees-of-freedom motion, such as bending and twisting. Also, by carefully creating isolated patterns of electrodes on the surface of the polymer-metal composite, sections of the composite can function as an actuator, while other areas can be used for sensing fin deformation and responses to external stimulation. The manufacturing, modeling, and characterization of a twistable AM fin are discussed. The sectored electrode pattern on the AM fin is created using two techniques: masking and surface machining. Using first principles, detailed models are developed to describe the electromechanical transduction for the IPMC AM fin. These models can be used to guide the development of more complex AM fin geometries and electrode patterns. The bending and twisting performance of a prototype twistable AM fin is evaluated and compared to the models. Experimental results demonstrate good twisting response for a prototype fin. Technical design challenges and performance limitations are also discussed.

Fluid Flow in the Vicinity of a Vibrating Ionic Polymer Metal Composites: Part 2—Numerical Study

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Abdelnour ◽  
Elisa Mancia ◽  
Sean D. Peterson ◽  
Maurizio Porfiri
Keyword(s):  
Oscillation Frequency ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Lateral Force ◽  
Metal Composite ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
Vorticity Production ◽  
The Moment ◽  
High Flexibility

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators have shown promise as miniature underwater propulsors due to their high flexibility, reduced weight, and low activation voltage and power consumption. In this second of two papers, we discuss numerical simulations of the flow of a viscous fluid generated by a two-dimensional cantilever IPMC actuator vibrating along its fundamental mode shape. We compute the thrust produced by the actuator as a function of its oscillation frequency and maximum tip displacement and show that it is correlated to vortex shedding. We find that vorticity production is prominent at the IPMC tip and increases as the oscillation frequency increases. We analyze the lateral force and the moment exerted by the IPMC on the surrounding fluid. Further, we study the power transferred by the vibrating IPMC to the encompassing fluid. The findings are validated via comparison with the experimental results presented in part 1 of this series.

Sulfonated polystyrene-based ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuator

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Luqman ◽  
Jang-Woo Lee ◽  
Kwang-Kil Moon ◽  
Young-Tai Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Metal Composite ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composite ◽  
Sulfonated Polystyrene ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Polymer Metal

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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