Actuators

2715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Behavior of a Multi-Layer Based Microbeam Actuator

by Abdulrahman Alofi, Hassen M. Ouakad and Mohammad Tausiff

Actuators 2016, 5(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/act5030022 - 31 Aug 2016

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7176

In this paper, the structural behavior of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) composed of two electrically coupled parallel clamped-clamped microbeams is investigated. An Euler Bernoulli beam model is considered along with the nonlinear electric actuating force to get the equation of motion governing the [...] Read more.

In this paper, the structural behavior of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) composed of two electrically coupled parallel clamped-clamped microbeams is investigated. An Euler Bernoulli beam model is considered along with the nonlinear electric actuating force to get the equation of motion governing the structural behavior of the actuator. A reduced-order modeling (ROM) based on the Galerkin expansion technique, while assuming linear undamped mode shapes of a straight fixed-fixed beam as the basis functions, is assumed as a discretization technique of the equations of motion in this investigation. The results showed that the double-microbeam MEMS actuator configuration requires a lower actuation voltage and a lower switching time as compared to the single microbeam actuator. Then, the effects of both microbeams air gap depths were investigated. Finally, the eigenvalue problem was investigated to get the variation of the fundamental natural frequencies of the coupled parallel microbeams with the applied actuating DC load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS-based Actuators)

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2276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An All-InkJet Printed Bending Actuator with Embedded Sensing Feature and an Electromagnetic Driving Mechanism

by Bruno Andò and Vincenzo Marletta

Actuators 2016, 5(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/act5030021 - 22 Jul 2016

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8818

Abstract

Bending actuators are key elements in many application fields. This paper presents an InkJet Printed actuator embedding an electromagnetic driving mechanism and a resistive sensing strategy. The lateral actuation range of the device is in the order of few millimeters, while it can [...] Read more.

Bending actuators are key elements in many application fields. This paper presents an InkJet Printed actuator embedding an electromagnetic driving mechanism and a resistive sensing strategy. The lateral actuation range of the device is in the order of few millimeters, while it can exert forces in the order up to 375 µN. A deep characterization of the device is presented which reveals good performance of the lab-scale prototype developed both in the static and dynamic regime. In particular, the responsivity is found to be a function of the magnetic field used to actuate the beam. Specifically, responsivities of 43.5 × 10⁻³ m/A, 28.3 × 10⁻³ m/A and 19.5 × 10⁻³ m/A have been estimated in the static condition in the case of magnetic fields of 98.8 mT, 70.6 mT and 37.1 mT, respectively, while at the resonance frequency of 4.1 Hz the responsivity is 51 × 10⁻³ m/A in case of a magnetic field of 37.1 mT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Actuators)

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2811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Arrangements for High Performance and Durable Dielectric Elastomer Actuation

by Runan Zhang, Xiaoqiang Huang, Tiefeng Li, Pejman Iravani and Patrick Keogh

Actuators 2016, 5(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/act5030020 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7379

Abstract

This paper advances the design of Rod Pre-strained Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (RP-DEAs) in their capability to generate comparatively large static actuation forces with increased lifetime via optimized electrode arrangements. RP-DEAs utilize thin stiff rods to constrain the expansion of the elastomer and maintain [...] Read more.

This paper advances the design of Rod Pre-strained Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (RP-DEAs) in their capability to generate comparatively large static actuation forces with increased lifetime via optimized electrode arrangements. RP-DEAs utilize thin stiff rods to constrain the expansion of the elastomer and maintain the in-plane pre-strain in the rod longitudinal direction. The aim is to study both the force output and the durability of the RP-DEA. Initial design of the RP-DEA had poor durability, however, it generated significantly larger force compared with the conventional DEA due to the effects of pre-strain and rod constraints. The durability study identifies the in-electro-active-region (in-AR) lead contact and the non-uniform deformation of the structure as causes of pre-mature failure of the RP-DEA. An optimized AR configuration is proposed to avoid actuating undesired areas in the structure. The results show that with the optimized AR, the RP-DEA can be effectively stabilized and survive operation at least four times longer than with a conventional electrode arrangement. Finally, a Finite Element simulation was also performed to demonstrate that such AR design and optimization can be guided by analyzing the DEA structure in the state of pre-activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Actuators)

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2337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetic Actuator with Multiple Vibration Components Arranged at Eccentric Positions for Use in Complex Piping

by Hiroyuki Yaguchi, Kazushige Kamata and Hiroshi Sugawara

Actuators 2016, 5(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/act5030019 - 23 Jun 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8020

Abstract

This paper proposes a magnetic actuator using multiple vibration components to perform locomotion in a complex pipe with a 25 mm inner diameter. Due to the desire to increase the turning moment in a T-junction pipe, two vibration components were attached off-center to [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a magnetic actuator using multiple vibration components to perform locomotion in a complex pipe with a 25 mm inner diameter. Due to the desire to increase the turning moment in a T-junction pipe, two vibration components were attached off-center to an acrylic plate with an eccentricity of 2 mm. The experimental results show that the magnetic actuator was able to move at 40.6 mm/s while pulling a load mass of 20 g in a pipe with an inner diameter of 25 mm. In addition, this magnetic actuator was able to move stably in U-junction and T-junction pipes. If a micro-camera is implemented in the future, the inspection of small complex pipes can be enabled. The possibility of inspection in pipes with a 25 mm inner diameter was shown by equipping the pipe with a micro-camera. Full article

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Actuators, Volume 5, Issue 3 (September 2016) – 4 articles

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