Integrated static and dynamic modeling of an ionic polymer–metal composite actuator. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, An-Bang; Bajon, Damienne; Moschetta, Jean-Marc; Benard, Emmanuel; Thipyopas, Chinnapat
• Is Part Of: Journal of intelligent material systems and structures. Volume 26:Number 10(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1164
• Page End: 1178
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Ionic polymer–metal composite -- vehicle -- experimental exploration -- modeling -- efficiency; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Intelligent control systems -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Matériaux intelligents -- Périodiques; Commande intelligente -- Périodiques; Intelligence artificielle -- Périodiques; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1177/1045389X14538528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-389X

Abstract

Ionic polymer–metal composites have been widely used as actuators for robotic systems. In this article, we investigate and verify the characteristics of ionic polymer–metal composite actuators experimentally and theoretically. Two analytical models are utilized to analyze the performance of ionic polymer–metal composites: a linear irreversible electro-dynamical model and a dynamic model. We find that the first model accurately predicts the static characteristics of the ionic polymer–metal composite according to the Onsager equations, while the second model is able to reveal the back relaxation characteristics of the ionic polymer–metal composite. We combine the static and dynamic models of the ionic polymer–metal composite and derive the transfer function for the ionic polymer–metal composite's mechanical response to an electrical signal. A driving signal with a smooth slope and a low frequency is beneficial for the power efficiency.