Session: 06-05: Continuum Robotics

Paper Number: 111030

111030 - Reduced-Dimensional Modeling of Magneto-Active Elastomer Unimorph Actuators 

Magneto-active elastomer (MAE) is a class of smart materials that can contactless exhibit large deformation subjected to a magnetic field, which can be implemented on specific applications like actuators and sensors. In this study, a rigid body model (RBM) is developed to predict the response of a MAE unimorph actuator. Rigid segments connected with torsional springs were used to approximate the MAE unimorph actuator. The active MAE and passive layers are represented by two layers of rigid segments, where the local mass and stiffness are calculated for both layers. The torsional springs indicate local stiffness, and the torsional spring constants in two planar bending directions are derived from the local bending stiffness according to beam theory with an assumption of linear elastic material. The interactions between the external magnetic field and the locally active MAE segment induce torque. Quasi-static displacement is predicted to represent the shape change of the MAE under different magnetic field strengths. The shape changes from RBM are validated with the prediction from finite element analysis (FEA). Both results show good matches demonstrating the accuracy of the RBM. The developed RBM is the potential to serve as a powerful tool for the design and optimization work of MAE-based adaptive devices. 

Presenting Author: Tan Pan The Penn State University

Presenting Author Biography: Tan Pan is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on theoretical modeling of smart materials used for adaptive structures, including magneto-active elastomers and shape memory polymers, and design for additive manufacturing. She earned her B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and her M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her M.S. research involved material characterizations and analysis of metals feedstock fabricated by powder-bed fusion system.