Session: 06-06: Bioinspired Structures

Paper Number: 111069

111069 - Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Matrix Composite Wafers 

           Flexible Matrix Composites (FMCs) are high performance actuators that exhibit a high mechanical advantage when pressurized. These actuators rely on symmetric layers of carbon fiber surrounding a flexible rubber tube.  When the fiber angle is less than 55 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis, these actuators expand radially and contract in length when pressurized. When these actuators are coiled in a disk-shaped wafer, the radial volume change within the composite actuator can be utilized to create a compressive force through the thickness dimension. By varying the actuation pressure, matrix material, fiber winding angle, and inner tubing diameter, the actuation and stiffness properties can be widely varied and suited to the desired application. This research aims to determine the impact on wafer performance by the variation of design parameters. It has been found that increasing the matrix material modulus will increase the overall stiffness of the wafer, while also increasing the maximum load that can be applied. Inversely, a lower modulus matrix will decrease the overall stiffness of the wafer, with the benefit of greater actuation volume. For each combination of fiber and matrix selection, there exists a stratum of pressures allowing for active stiffness management during use. From this comprehensive evaluation, a characterization of the wafer performance through experimentation will be reported.

Presenting Author: Masaki Hada Virginia Tech

Presenting Author Biography: Masaki Hada is a Master's student and graduate researcher in the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace Engineering at Virginia Tech. He also received his BS in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2022. He currently performs research in the Aerospace Structures and Materials Laboratory at Virginia Tech. His current research involves using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to determine the surface strain on prosthetic limbs, which is then combined with active materials to improve fit and comfort of the limb.