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Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators

Microfluidic Preparation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Actuators

Published on: May 20, 2018

Programming complex shapes in thin nematic elastomer and glass sheets.

Paul Plucinsky¹, Marius Lemm², Kaushik Bhattacharya¹

¹Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA.

Physical Review. E

|August 31, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nematic elastomers and glasses are soft solids that can change shape. A new metric constraint is introduced, enabling precise control over their complex shape transformations for advanced soft actuator applications.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Soft Matter Physics
Mechanics of Materials

Background:

Nematic elastomers and glasses are solids exhibiting spontaneous distortion in response to stimuli.
Recent synthesis of heterogeneous sheets allows for complex shape actuation with high energy density.
These materials show significant promise as soft actuators.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a key metric constraint governing shape-changing actuation in nematic elastomer and glass sheets.
To explore the diverse range of shapes achievable under this constraint.
To provide insights into the fundamental principles driving shape transformation.

Main Methods:

Introduction of a novel metric constraint for shape-changing actuation.
Demonstration through two classes of examples: nonisometric origami and lifted surfaces.
Analysis of energy minimization principles involving stretching, bending, and material heterogeneity.

Main Results:

Identification of a critical metric constraint that dictates shape-changing capabilities.
Showcasing of complex, non-trivial shapes through nonisometric origami and lifted surfaces.
Understanding the interplay of mechanical forces and material properties in actuation.

Conclusions:

The metric constraint provides a powerful tool for designing and controlling soft actuators.
Nematic elastomer and glass sheets offer a versatile platform for programmable shape morphing.
Energy minimization principles are crucial for deriving and understanding actuation behavior.