Article
Materials Science, Composites
J. Henry, S. Pimenta
Summary: The research shows that releasing the self-similar constraint can increase the design space of composite microstructures, leading to materials with better damage tolerance, clearer warning before failure, and more stable failure mechanisms.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Xing Wang, Hongyu Zhou, Hanwen Kang, Wesley Au, Chao Chen
Summary: Soft bending actuators are attracting attention for their robustness and ease of manufacture, but suffer from low output force and slow response speed. A novel soft actuator with bistable property is proposed in this study, featuring dual-actuation mechanism for fast response and autonomous transition between states.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Qingye Liu, Xiaohui Wang, Yarui Hou, Yue Cheng, Jianfeng Zhang, Longqiang Xiao, Jingtai Zhao, Wei Li
Summary: Inspired by intelligent biomaterials, this study presents a self-strengthened hydrogel actuator based on a semi-interpenetrating polymer network, which can display diverse programmable actuations by responding to temperature/salt stimuli. The actuator consists of freeze-thawed PNIPAm/PVA (PPGel-F) layer and an original PNIPAm/PVA hydrogel layer (PPGel), and the differential swelling degree across the bilayer structure leads to asymmetric deformations and shape transformations. Mechanical training induces anisotropic arrangement of PVA nanofibrils, enhancing strain-induced crystallization and resulting in rapid self-strengthening behavior. This work provides a potential solution for constructing dynamically adaptive hydrogel systems for intelligent soft robotics and bionic research.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hyeon Jun Sim, Jun Ho Noh, Changsoon Choi
Summary: The need for biomimetic actuators that mimic the shape-changing properties of natural muscles has led to the development of a new twisting-bending coupled self-helix (TBSH) structure. This structure enables reversible shape-morphing between a compact and extended helix at a suitable temperature. It utilizes two independent material deformations and has potential applications in industries such as smart textiles and automatic thermostat systems.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Wen-Bo Li, Xin-Yu Guo, Wen-Ming Zhang
Summary: Natural animals inspire soft robot designs, with a small stomatopod species known as Nannosquilla decemspinosa exhibiting a unique backward somersaulting locomotion. Scientists have developed a bio-inspired dynamic somersaulting soft robot, which moves at a much faster speed than other fast-moving soft robots, showcasing the great potential of the dynamic somersaulting mechanism for designing highly mobile soft locomotion robots.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chia-Ming Tu, Chia-Hui Chao, Sheng-Chi Hung, Szu-Yin Ou, Chao-Hui Zhuang, Chun-Yen Liu
Summary: A series of photonic polymers and butterfly-shaped LC actuators were fabricated using a laser cutter, showing reversible curling and color variations simultaneously. The synthesis of photonic polymers via one-step polymerization was achieved, demonstrating color variation and thermal actuation. The butterfly-shaped LC actuators, with planar-co-focal-conic layers, have great potential for applications in soft robotics and optical devices.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Diancheng Li, Dongliang Fan, Renjie Zhu, Qiaozhi Lei, Yuxuan Liao, Xin Yang, Yang Pan, Zheng Wang, Yang Wu, Sicong Liu, Hongqiang Wang
Summary: In this study, origami-inspired soft pneumatic actuators (OSPAs) made from silicone are introduced. The OSPAs can provide multiple rotations and have a significantly higher rotation ratio compared to other similar products. The study team also demonstrates the potential applications of OSPAs in grippers, robot arms, and snake robots.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
M. Mazzotti, A. Foehr, O. R. Bilal, A. Bergamini, F. Bosia, C. Daraio, N. M. Pugno, M. Miniaci
Summary: Hierarchy provides unique opportunities for advanced material design with superior properties. However, its role in vibration mitigation and wave manipulation remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that designing non self-similar hierarchical geometries enables the creation of periodic structures supporting multiple highly attenuative and broadband bandgaps at different frequencies. The type of band gap mechanism is identified by examining the vibrational mode shapes and dispersion diagram of the unit cell.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Ming Xu, Cheng Rong, Long He
Summary: The study found that the compound drive structure of spiders' hydraulics and muscles can inspire a flexible joint actuator with powerful locomotion capabilities, made using a composite process of 3D printing and casting. Through comparing mathematical and finite element analysis models, as well as a series of experiments, the accuracy of the theoretical models in evaluating the joint actuator's performance was demonstrated. Furthermore, the feasibility of the flexible joint actuator was also confirmed through motion tests on a soft robot with two flexible joints.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yongqing Xia, Yaru Meng, Ronghua Yu, Ziqi Teng, Jie Zhou, Shengjie Wang
Summary: This research presents a smart hydrogel actuator that can bend bidirectionally and change color simultaneously, inspired by the natural behavior of creatures. The actuator is fabricated using an elastomer/hydrogel bilayer and microgels as photonic crystal blocks. The bending degrees and surface color changes of the actuator can be controlled by adjusting the solution temperature and the composition of the hydrogel.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ming Xu, Jin Ma, Jindong Zhao, Yongfa Zhang, Di Zhang
Summary: This paper presents a novel pneumatic soft joint actuator inspired by the joint structure and actuation mechanism of spider legs. The actuator achieves joint rotation through the mutual compression of two hyperelastic sidewalls under inflation pressure. A pneumatic hyperelastic thin plate (Pneu-HTP) based actuation modeling method is proposed for this extrusion actuation, and mathematical models for parallel and angular extrusion actuation are derived. Finite element analysis simulations and experiments are conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the Pneu-HTP extrusion actuation model. The results show high consistency between the model and the experiments, with average relative errors ranging from 9.27% to 12.5% and goodness-of-fit greater than 99%.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Patrick Vonwirth, Karsten Berns
Summary: Bio-inspired and compliant control approaches have been studied for decades to achieve more natural robot motion. However, there has been a disconnect between roboticists and medical/biological researchers in understanding natural motion and muscle coordination. This work introduces a novel robotic control strategy that bridges this gap.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qinchao Zheng, Zhenlin Jiang, Xiaotong Xu, Chenxue Xu, Min Zhu, Chen Chen, Fanfan Fu
Summary: The study reports a torsion side-by-side sodium alginate-sodium alginate/graphene oxide (SA-SA/GO) fiber-based smart actuator with excellent humidity response and photothermal properties, capable of twisting and untwisting rotation motion when stimulated by infrared light or moisture. The bicomponent intermittent spiral structure of the actuator allows for a controllable and programmable forward-stagnation-reverse synergistic drive response behavior under the co-stimulation of infrared light and humidity.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Dheeraj Vemula, Jeong Yong Kim, Nicholas Mazzoleni, Matthew Bryant
Summary: This study discusses the orderly recruitment strategy of biological musculature and the application of fluidic artificial muscles in actuators. A comparison between the multi-valve system (MVS) and orderly recruitment valve (ORV) shows that ORV offers a simpler and more compact valve architecture with slightly reduced control flexibility and performance.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pengfei Zhao, Yong Cai, Chen Liu, Dengteng Ge, Bo Li, Hualing Chen
Summary: By integrating stretchable photonic crystals (SPCs) with DEAs, this paper prepared an electrochromic device enabled via dielectric elastomer actuator (EDDEA). The SPCs can achieve color changes in the visible light range and maintain stable performance during multiple working cycles. The prepared EDDEA can produce strain under an electric field, which leads to color changes.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Shushannah Smith, Gang Wang, Dongsheng Wu
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2017)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gang Wang
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Felix Ewere, Gang Wang, Abdelkader Frendi
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Felix Ewere, Gang Wang
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2014)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vishnu Prasad Venugopal, Gang Wang
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2015)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gang Wang, Jinwei Shen
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Dipen Barot, Gang Wang, Lingze Duan
IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2019)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Zhefeng Yu, Thomas Pillsbury, Gang Wang, Norman M. Wereley
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Prabhav Borate, Gang Wang, Yi Wang
JOURNAL OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bao Chi Ha, Kevin Gilbert, Gang Wang
Summary: A novel PZT rosette concept was proposed for damage detection using Lamb waves in panel-like structures, and comprehensive tests on an aluminum plate demonstrated its ability to sense Lamb wave responses and accurately locate acoustic sources. Further evaluation of the PZT rosette performance is expected with the introduction of damages.
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Moon-Hyung Jang, Jacob D. Lee, Yu Lei, Simon Chung, Gang Wang
Summary: A novel triboelectric generator concept utilizing a tape and a metalized polyester film is proposed, which is cost-effective and easy to fabricate. The adhesive nature of the tape induces a significant charge, and air breakdown during separation allows for electron flow. The double-electrode configuration significantly improves performance, enabling power supply to a large number of LEDs and laser diodes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Moon-Hyung Jang, Sean P. Rabbitte, Yu Lei, Simon Chung, Gang Wang
Summary: In this paper, a novel contact-separation triboelectric generator concept is proposed, utilizing a limestone-based mounting putty and a metallized polyester sheet. The design aims to explore tacky materials for power generation and increase the operational frequency bandwidth compared to existing TENGs. The putty generator achieves comparable performance to benefit energy harvesting and sensor applications, with a peak power density of 25.6 W/m2.
Proceedings Paper
Optics
Curtis E. Banks, Gang Wang
SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2016
(2016)
Article
Acoustics
Ahmet Unal, Gang Wang, Q. H. Zuo
JOURNAL OF VIBRATION AND ACOUSTICS-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2016)