Article
Materials Science, Composites
Quan Wang, Xueqing Liu, Zhe Qiang, Zhendong Hu, Xin Cui, Huaixiao Wei, Jinjin Hu, Yuming Xia, Shuohan Huang, Jianming Zhang, Kun (Kelvin) Fu, Yuwei Chen
Summary: In this study, a scalable and simple approach was proposed to prepare ultraviolet curable resin composites with high dielectric constants, by introducing cellulose nanocrystals into methacrylate malate photocurable resins. The prepared resin composites can be used in conventional 3D printing technologies and demonstrated promising potential for energy storage applications.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohammadreza Lalegani Dezaki, Mahdi Bodaghi
Summary: Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) composite actuators have the advantages of remote control, swift movement, adaptation to rough surfaces, and secure interaction with humans. This paper proposes a new conceptual design for bi-stable MRE-based electroactive composite actuators with high performance by combining MRE composites and 4D printing of conductive shape memory polymers. Experimental results demonstrate the immense potential of the developed composite actuators as mechanical and biomedical devices.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Kritsadi Thetpraphi, Waroot Kanlayakan, Suphita Chaipo, Gil Moretto, Jeff Kuhn, David Audigier, Minh Quyen Le, Pierre-Jean Cottinet, Lionel Petit, Jean-Fabien Capsal
Summary: A new development of a full 3D-printed-force actuator based on an advanced electroactive polymer for large and live optical mirror applications was described. The actuator consists of a plasticized terpolymer layer sandwiched between two electrodes made of conductive terpolymer carbon black composite. The electromechanical performance was analyzed on a flat glass surface in various configurations.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Jakub Bernat, Jakub Kolota
Summary: Dielectric electroactive polymer actuators are important transducers in control system applications, and designing high-performance controllers for them is challenging. This study focused on studying a PI controller for such actuators and analyzing the pole placement problem for a closed-loop system with the PI controller. The limitations of a PI controller in pole placement were discussed, with the obtained analytic PI controller gain rules allowing for potential extension to adaptive control. Additionally, robust adaptive control was applied to minimize the impact of unmodeled dynamics, with analysis conducted through simulations and experiments.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jakub Bernat, Piotr Gajewski, Jakub Kolota, Agnieszka Marcinkowska
Summary: This article provides an overview of the methods used to produce dielectric electroactive actuator membranes and presents experimental studies on two types of addition silicone. The results show the performance and characteristics of actuators with different thicknesses of active membranes and compare their responses to different voltage excitations.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhendong Hu, Yuming Wang, Xueqing Liu, Quan Wang, Xin Cui, Shuxiang Jin, Bin Yang, Yumin Xia, Shuohan Huang, Zhe Qiang, Kun(Kelvin) Fu, Jianming Zhang, Yuwei Chen
Summary: We have developed a simple method for preparing 3D printed composites with low dielectric constant by introducing polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) components into an epoxy resin matrix. The resulting composites exhibit excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties, making them suitable for 3D printing.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jakub Bernat, Jakub Kolota
Summary: Dielectric electroactive polymers are widely used in smart materials applications due to their softness and responsiveness to electric stimuli, particularly in actuators. Research has been focused on improving the design of these actuators by modifying the bias mechanism or providing new configurations like double cones. This study analyzed the modification of actuator shape, using an elliptical shape to achieve a wider range of movement, with the new design and model of the device described and verified through measurements.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Giacomo Sasso, Nicola Pugno, James J. C. Busfield, Federico Carpi
Summary: A new type of liquid robotic mixer based on electro-responsive smart materials has been developed, which can efficiently mix different liquids and maintain stability. Compared to traditional mixing methods, this liquid robotic device has higher efficiency and lower increase in liquid temperature.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Hong Wang, Liang Yang
Summary: In this study, the dielectric properties of electronic electroactive polymers (EEAP) were experimentally tested, and various factors such as frequency, voltage, electrode type, and specimen thickness were analyzed for their effects on the dielectric relaxation properties. Different models were used to accurately model the dielectric constants. The results showed that the dielectric constant of the polymer is strongly influenced by frequency, especially in the low frequency range. The use of G-C electrodes improved the electrical parameters of the polymer. The paper provides valuable reference for understanding the dielectric properties of polymers and their application in flexible robots.
Article
Robotics
Ruiqian Wang, Chuang Zhang, Wenjun Tan, Jia Yang, Daojing Lin, Lianqing Liu
Summary: This article reports a miniature columnar dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) with multi-DOF actuation and sensing. The arrangement of the simulation electrodes on the actuator was optimized to achieve multi-DOF actuation, and the sensing electrodes were configured to provide real-time sensing of the actuator's deformation modes, direction, and quantity.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
David Gonzalez, Jose Garcia, Richard M. Voyles, Robert A. Nawrocki, Brittany Newell
Summary: This study presents a novel design of a fully 3D printed soft pneumatic actuator and characterizes its performance. The theoretical model is able to predict the response of the printed actuator accurately, and the design meets practical requirements.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Jakub Bernat, Jakub Kolota
Summary: This paper introduces a simple control method for DEAP actuators based on the ADRC structure, which improves control system stability and performance through the identification of actuator model parameters and real-time compensation of disturbance effects.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rui Qiao, Haoran Xu, Shaonan Chen, Sheng Chen, Hang Luo, Dou Zhang
Summary: Dielectric polymers are crucial in modern electronic and electrical applications due to their easy processing, lightweight, and high breakdown strength. By combining different polymer advantages, the dielectric polymer blending method is a feasible option to address the issue of high ε(r) and breakdown strength in dielectric homopolymers. Experimental results showed the significant impact of n-type semiconductive polymer on the dielectric and energy storage properties of PPDI/PVTC blends.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vitaly K. Vorobiov, Maria P. Sokolova, Natalya V. Bobrova, Vladimir Yu. Elokhovsky, Michael A. Smirnov
Summary: This study focuses on the 3D printing of electroactive gels containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and explores the effects of rheological properties of the inks on 3D printability. The morphology and ionic conductivity of the printed gels were characterized using atomic force microscopy and impedance spectroscopy measurements. The obtained materials show potential for designing 3D-printed tactile sensors.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wentao Ma, Bo Li, Lei Jiang, Ya Sun, Yehui Wu, Pengfei Zhao, Guimin Chen
Summary: This study proposes a new methodology for coloration inspired by the feather color change of a hummingbird. By integrating a view-angle dependent photonic diffraction grating pattern and voltage-actuated dielectric elastomers, a structure-colorable flexural artificial muscle (FlexAM) is developed. The FlexAM demonstrates ultrafast coloration and excellent fatigue resistance, and can be used in a photonic display device for displaying numbers and letters.
Article
Acoustics
Benjamin Ducharne, Brittany Newell, Gael Sebald
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS FERROELECTRICS AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jorge Leon-Quiroga, Brittany Newell, Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Andres Gonzalez-Mancera, Jose Garcia-Bravo
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. H. Nguedjang Kouakeuo, Y. A. Tena Deffo, B. Ducharne, L. Morel, M. A. Raulet, P. Tsafack, J. M. Garcia-Bravo, B. Newell
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Israa Azzam, Keith Pate, Jose Garcia-Bravo, Farid Breidi
Summary: Hydraulic hybrid drivetrains are a popular alternative to conventional drivetrain architectures in automobiles due to their energy savings, flexibility, and ease of operation. However, current hydraulic hybrid drivetrains have relatively low efficiencies, mainly due to the use of conventional pump/motor units. This study proposes a new methodology to improve the overall efficiency of hydraulic hybrid drivetrains by replacing conventional units with digital counterparts. Experimental results show that the digital pump/motor can achieve higher efficiencies and improve the total efficiency of the drivetrain by up to 25%.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
David Gonzalez, Jose Garcia, Richard M. Voyles, Robert A. Nawrocki, Brittany Newell
Summary: This study presents a novel design of a fully 3D printed soft pneumatic actuator and characterizes its performance. The theoretical model is able to predict the response of the printed actuator accurately, and the design meets practical requirements.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Julio A. Hernandez, Cole Maynard, David Gonzalez, Monica Viz, Corey 'Brien, Jose Garcia, Brittany Newell, Tyler N. Tallman
Summary: This work investigates the effects of manufacturing parameters on carbon nanofiber/polyactic acid filament for additive manufacturing-produced strain sensors. By exploring the impact of weight fraction, extrusion temperature, and number of extrusions, researchers identified an optimal manufacturing procedure for producing sensors with improved electrical properties. The sensors exhibited strong and repeatable behavior under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, with the 7.5 wt % CNF/PLA sensors showing greater strain sensitivity. The results of this study contribute to the development of low-cost and customizable strain sensors utilizing FFF technology.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
David Gonzalez Rodriguez, Jose Garcia, Brittany Newell
Summary: Soft actuators have great potential for industrial applications due to their unique shapes, ability to conform within a containing envelope, and high power to displacement ratios. Most of these structures are produced through casting processes using silicone materials, but innovative 3D printing techniques have been explored to overcome production limitations. The 3D printed soft actuator with embedded sensing capabilities demonstrated control and sensing of deformation using resistance-based sensors, produced using fused deposition modeling in one continuous process.
PROCEEDINGS OF ASME 2021 CONFERENCE ON SMART MATERIALS, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS (SMASIS2021)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Cole Maynard, Julio Hernandez, David Gonzalez, Monica Viz, Corey O'Brien, Tyler N. Tallman, Jose Garcia, Brittany Newell
Summary: Recent developments have expanded the application of 3D printing with the use of conductive filler modification for customizable sensors. Flexible sensors are becoming increasingly important, but there is less research on conductive filler modification using commercially available flexible filament TPU. The project aims to develop flexible piezoresistive-based sensors and investigate the effects of different manufacturing parameters on CNF/TPU conductivity and printability.
PROCEEDINGS OF ASME 2021 CONFERENCE ON SMART MATERIALS, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS (SMASIS2021)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
J. A. Hernandez, C. M. Maynard, D. Gonzalez, M. Viz, J. Garcia, B. Newell, T. N. Tallman
Summary: Robust and adaptable sensor technology is crucial for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation. However, existing sensor technologies often lack adaptability. Multifunctional additive manufacturing has the potential to overcome this limitation by allowing the printing of stimulus-responsive materials in structures for application-specific sensing.
SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2021
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Daniel A. Gutierrez, Jose M. Garcia-Bravo, Aaron L. Reid, Brittany A. Newell, Paul McPherson, Mark French
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FLUID POWER
(2020)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cole M. Maynard, J. A. Hernandez, D. Gonzalez, T. N. Tallman, J. Garcia, B. Newell
SENSORS AND SMART STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGIES FOR CIVIL, MECHANICAL, AND AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 2020
(2020)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Marvin Durango-Cogollo, Jose Garcia-Bravo, Brittany Newell, Andres Gonzalez-Mancera
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kehao Feng, Zhenghua Zhang, Guohua Bai, Xiuyuan Fan, Rongzhi Zhao, Xuefeng Zhang
Summary: This paper proposes a new method to accurately evaluate the high-frequency power loss of soft magnetic materials. Through a two-step calibration, the system is able to compensate for the phase angle discrepancy between the exciting current and induced voltage, enabling a higher power loss measurement frequency.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mingfang Kang, Tong Liu, Hongmei Sun, Lin Li, Keliang Wang
Summary: In this study, the absorption performance of ambient nitrogenous toxic gases on a monolayer of blue phosphorus phase germanium selenide (GeSe) was investigated using density-functional theory calculations. The results showed that GeSe monolayer exhibits higher sensitivity and selectivity for the hazardous gas NO.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yaqiong Niu, Zhicheng Zou, Longsheng Cheng, Chaofeng Ye
Summary: This paper proposes a novel method to stabilize the laser diode output using a close-loop control with two feedbacks. The proposed method performs better for long-time operations.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jiajie Li, Ying Liu, Zhen Chai, Qian Cao, Renjie Li, Yueyang Zhai
Summary: This study proposed an efficient and high-quality beam-splitting method based on a diffractive optical element, enabling multichannel SERF atomic magnetometers to achieve ultra-high consistency and sensitivity. It has significant applications in array biomagnetic measurement systems.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
E. Oliveira, C. Doering, H. Fouckhardt
Summary: With the development of Lab on a chip technology, fluid management using dispersed droplets has become an important approach. Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is one method for droplet actuation, but it requires prior definition of droplet positions. Optoelectrowetting (OEW) goes further by allowing changes in electrical parameters through impinging light spots, without the need for predefined droplet positions. This study re-evaluates the key parameters of OEW and explores their effects on droplet actuation using numerical optimization methods.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Haipeng Wang, Zhiguo Wang, Gancheng Zhu, Shuai Zhang
Summary: A novel capacitive proximity skin was developed to improve the performance of robotics in handling liquid-filled containers. This skin features a flexible structure that can adapt to different grippers and seamlessly integrate with Robot Operating System. Experimental results demonstrated that this proximity skin achieved data-lossless detection and contactless measurement of liquid level, making it suitable for grasping operations.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tsenguun Byambadorj, Xiangyu Zhao, Yutao Qin, Yogesh B. Gianchandani
Summary: In this research, a monolithically microfabricated Knudsen pump (KP) without suspended membranes was presented. These pumps offer improved mechanical robustness, wider process window, and simplified microfabrication process compared to previous designs. The experimental results matched the modeling results well, indicating the potential for monolithic integration onto complex lab-on-a-chip systems.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hamed Karami, Saeed Karami Chemeh, Vahid Azizi, Hooman Sharifnasab, Jose Ramos, Mohammed Kamruzzaman
Summary: Aroma is a significant quality trait for pharmaceutical plants and their products, indicating the quality of the raw material. An electronic nose is an efficient approach for identifying and evaluating the aroma of essential oils. In this study, tarragon was dried at different temperatures and air velocities, and the purity of tarragon essential oil was evaluated using an electronic nose. Multivariate data analysis and artificial neural networks modeling were employed to quantify and classify the obtained essential oils.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xiaoyang Duan, Dan Xu, Wenjun Jia, Ran Li, Bohao Sun, Ruitian Yan, Wenjie Zhao
Summary: Flower-like WO3/WS2 heterojunction materials constructed via a low-temperature in-situ oxidation method exhibit significant improvements in the detection of NO2 gas in gas sensors, along with good selectivity and reproducibility.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Peng Yu, Mengyang Zhang, Manqi You, Yuxi Gao, Landong Xiao, Yan Peng, Jingxia Lai, Zhouzhao Shi, Siwei Luo, Gencai Guo, Gang Guo
Summary: Recent studies have shown that two-dimensional Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have great potential for applications in gas sensors. By conducting first principles calculations, this study explores the potential application of Pd-doped monolayer HfSeS as gas sensor materials for detecting CO, CO2, NH3, and NO. The results demonstrate the good thermodynamical stability and reversible adsorption of these molecules on both pristine and Pd-doped HfSeS, with Pd-doped HfSeS showing higher sensitivity towards NO due to its metallic behavior upon NO adsorption.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jinlan Yang, Linjiao Li, Jun Huang, Quan Zhang, Hiba Affane
Summary: This study proposes a method for large-scale aggregation of micro-particles by creating a vortex region using low-frequency oscillation. Experimental results show that this method can achieve a large aggregation area and has the advantages of low cost and low power consumption.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jitendra Singh, Saurabh Kumar Gupta, Vinita
Summary: In this investigation, a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) formalin gas sensor was explored for low-level formalin gas sensing applications. The sensor showed stable response and high sensitivity to formalin gas concentration, making it a reliable and useful sensor for room temperature operations.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Junyao Wang, Yahao Liu, Huan Liu, Qi Hou, Jianxin Xu, Hongxu Pan, Jingran Quan, Yansong Chen, Hanbo Yang, Lixiang Li
Summary: A flexible electrode with a serpentine-shaped tetra-chiral structure was designed to improve the mechanical properties and prevent mechanical fracture of flexible electrodes. The research demonstrated that this structure reduced the maximum tensile stress by 87.19% compared to the existing tetra-chiral structure. The flexible electrode remained conductive even at a strain of 70% and showed resistance values of 5 ohm and 4.4 ohm at a bending angle of 180 degrees and after 1000 fold cycles. Furthermore, the flexible electrodes showed great potential in biological signal monitoring, particularly in collecting ECG and pulse signals.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Taihao Chen, Yong Fang, Mengru Zhu, Zhiwei Zhao, Wei Lei, Zhuoya Zhu, Helong Jiang
Summary: Flexible dual-spectral carbon nanodots/flexible n-silicon heterojunction photodetectors with high responsivity and detectivity are reported. These detectors show photo response in UV illumination and only in forward bias under visible illumination. The photocurrent of the device remains high even under bending strain.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
M. S. Sikandar Bathusha, Israr Ud Din, Rehan Umer, Kamran A. Khan
Summary: Graphene-based nanomaterials are used as embedded sensors to monitor fracture behavior in composite structures. This study investigates the in-situ crack propagation and fracture behavior in a glass fiber reinforced polymer composite using embedded reduced graphene oxide coated fabrics and highly conductive graphene nanoplatelet paper.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2024)