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Plant-Biomimetic Hydrogel Actuators: Creating Movement In Hydrogels Through The Study Of Plants, Christen Rhodes
Plant-Biomimetic Hydrogel Actuators: Creating Movement In Hydrogels Through The Study Of Plants, Christen Rhodes
Theses and Dissertations
Plants are sessile organisms that have developed methods of movement to respond to environmental stimuli. Some of the approaches feature the unequal expansion of cells and controlling deformation direction through fibers under swelling and drying. Hydrogels are three dimensional polymer networks that have the capacity for large volume changes due their affinity for water and can be tough and/or stimuli-responsive. In this paper, three preliminary plant-biomimetic hydrogel actuator designs are discussed and tested from wet to dry. The first actuator design, termed a 1%-0.1% bilayer, features two layers of different swelling and drying rates due to differences in cross-linking density. …
Evaluation And Development Of Actuators For Lamina Emergent Mechanisms With Emphasis On Flat Solenoids, Justin Durant Black
Evaluation And Development Of Actuators For Lamina Emergent Mechanisms With Emphasis On Flat Solenoids, Justin Durant Black
Theses and Dissertations
Lamina emergent mechanisms (LEMs) can provide a way to meet the demand for more compact and inexpensive mechanisms. Previous research has developed LEM designs and identified applications for them, but many applications would benefit from suitable actuation techniques. This thesis presents the design considerations and a variety of applicable methods for internal and external LEM actuation in the macro scale. Integrated LEM actuator possibilities have been identified, each with its advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. Shape memory alloys are especially compatible with LEMs. Traditional actuators have also been discussed as a way of actuating a LEM from the …
Design Of A Linear Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Motor, Scott L. Sharp
Design Of A Linear Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Motor, Scott L. Sharp
Theses and Dissertations
A new geometrically unique ultrasonic motor (USM) was designed using finite element modeling (FEM). A USM operates by vibrating a drive tip in an elliptical motion while it is in periodic contact with a driven surface. Piezoelectric elements are used to create the elliptical motions and are driven near a resonant frequency to create the needed displacements for the motor to operate. An idea for a motor frame was conceived that consisted of an arch, a center ground, and two piezoelectric elements connected to the center ground. End caps were added between the frame and the piezoelectric elements to reduce …