Parallel ionic polymer metal composites to generate increased force output

Robert C. Richardson; Kevin Watterson; Martin C. Levesley; Michael D. Brown; Jamie A. Hawkes; Peter G. Walker

doi:10.1117/12.484391

28 July 2003 Parallel ionic polymer metal composites to generate increased force output

Robert C. Richardson, Kevin Watterson, Martin C. Levesley, Michael D. Brown, Jamie A. Hawkes, Peter G. Walker

Proceedings Volume 5051, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD); (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484391
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Ionic polymer metal composites have been demonstrated to offer great potential as versatile actuators. However, the low force output of these actuators continues to be an inhibiting factor in their development. Researchers have begun to investigate thicker ionic polymer metal composite actuators that offer greater force output. An alternative approach is to use multiple strips of actuator in parallel to increase the force output. In this paper the development of such an actuator is detailed. Issues of parallel or series electrical connection are discussed. Experimental results from the actuator are presented showing the unblocked position response and blocked force response. Losses within the system are considered for various numbers of strips. Finally PID control is applied to the actuator to demonstrate the controlled actuator performance.

Citation Download Citation

Robert C. Richardson, Kevin Watterson, Martin C. Levesley, Michael D. Brown, Jamie A. Hawkes, and Peter G. Walker "Parallel ionic polymer metal composites to generate increased force output", Proc. SPIE 5051, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), (28 July 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.484391

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