Bistable compliant mechanism using magneto active elastomer actuation

Adrienne Crivaro, Rob Sheridan, Mary Frecker, Timothy W. Simpson, Paris Von Lockette

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the emerging field of origami engineering, it is important to investigate ways to achieve large deformations to enable significant shape transformations. One way to achieve this is through the use of bistable mechanisms. The goal in this research is to investigate the feasibility and design of a compliant bistable mechanism that is actuated by magneto active elastomer (MAE) material. The MAE material has magnetic particles embedded in the material that are aligned during the curing process. When exposed to an external field, the material deforms to align the embedded particles with the field. We investigate actuation of the MAE material through the development of finite element analysis (FEA) models to predict the magnetic field required to snap the device from its first stable position to its second for various geometries and field strengths. The FEA model also predicts the displacement of the center of the mechanism as it moves from one position to the other to determine if the device is in fact bistable. These results help show the relationship between the substrate properties and the bistability of the device. Experimental results validate the FEA models and demonstrate the functionality of active materials to be used as actuators for such devices and applications of origami engineering.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication38th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791846377
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventASME 2014 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2014 - Buffalo, United States
Duration: Aug 17 2014Aug 20 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
Volume5B

Other

OtherASME 2014 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBuffalo
Period8/17/148/20/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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