Evaluation of millimeter-size fluidic flexible matrix composite tubes

Aniruddh Vashisth, Bin Zhu, Benjamin M. Wimmer, Charles E. Bakis, Christopher D. Rahn

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

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fluidic flexible matrix composite (F2MC) tubes are fiber-reinforced tubes that have been designed to change structural characteristics (e.g., shape, stiffness, damping, actuation force, etc.) based on the control of fluid flow and pressure inside the tubes. In the current investigation, miniature F2MC tubes (2 mm diameter) are designed and evaluated. The tubes are made with fine steel wire and a flexible polyurethane matrix. Tubes with reinforcement angles of ±40 and ±24 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis were evaluated in terms of blocked force and free strain versus internal pressure and axial modulus of elasticity. Sheets of multiple, unidirectionally aligned tubes positioned side by side and potted into a surrounding compliant matrix material were evaluated as well. Encouraging agreement with elasticity solutions based on infinitely long multi-layer tubes with internal pressurization was observed. Over the long term, this line of research is aimed at the development of thin skins for structures that can change shape and stiffness differently as a function of direction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMechanics and Behavior of Active Materials; Structural Health Monitoring; Bioinspired Smart Materials and Systems; Energy Harvesting
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISBN (Print)9780791856048
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventASME 2013 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2013 - Snowbird, UT, United States
Duration: Sep 16 2013Sep 18 2013

Publication series

NameASME 2013 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2013
Volume2

Other

OtherASME 2013 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySnowbird, UT
Period9/16/139/18/13

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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