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  • Kirigami artificial muscles with complex biologically inspired morphologies

Sareh, Sina and Rossiter, Jonathan, 2012, Journal Article, Kirigami artificial muscles with complex biologically inspired morphologies Smart Materials and Structures, IOP Science, 22 (1). pp. 1-12. ISSN 0964-1726

Abstract or Description:

In this paper we present bio-inspired smart structures which exploit the actuation of flexible ionic polymer composites and the kirigami design principle. Kirigami design is used to convert planar actuators into active 3D structures capable of large out-of-plane displacement and that replicate biological mechanisms. Here we present the burstbot, a fluid control and propulsion mechanism based on the atrioventricular cuspid valve, and the vortibot, a spiral actuator based on Vorticella campanula, a ciliate protozoa. Models derived from biological counterparts are used as a platform for design optimisation and actuator performance measurement. The symmetric and asymmetric fluid interactions of the burstbot are investigated and the effectiveness in fluid transport applications is demonstrated. The vortibot actuator is geometrically optimised as a camera positioner capable of 360 degree scanning. Experimental results for a one-turn spiral actuator show complex actuation derived from a single degree of freedom control signal.

Official URL: http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0964-172...
Subjects: Other > Engineering > H600 Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Other > Engineering > H600 Electronic and Electrical Engineering > H670 Robotics and Cybernetics > H671 Robotics
School or Centre: School of Design
Funders: This research was funded by research grant EP/I032533/1 from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Identification Number or DOI: doi.org/10.1088/0964-1726/22/1/014004
Date Deposited: 07 Mar 2018 10:02
Last Modified: 09 Nov 2018 14:31
URI: https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/3233
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