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Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites
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Impact damping and vibration attenuation in nematic liquid crystal elastomers
Mohand O Saed1,2, Waiel Elmadih3, Andrew Terentjev2
1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
Nature Communications
|November 19, 2021
Summary
Nematic liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) offer exceptional damping due to their unique soft elasticity. This study optimizes LCE for vibration isolation and impact damping, outperforming conventional elastomers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Nematic liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) possess unique viscoelastic properties, including 'soft elasticity,' distinct from conventional materials.
- Their dynamic response to shear deformation results in significant energy dissipation (loss factor tanδ approaching unity).
- These properties suggest potential for advanced damping applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anomalous damping effect in nematic LCE.
- To optimize impact and vibration geometries for enhanced vibration isolation and impact damping.
- To compare the damping performance of nematic LCE with ordinary elastomers.
Main Methods:
- Investigated internal shear deformation modes in LCE.
- Compared impact energy dissipation in shaped samples and projectiles.
- Analyzed elastic wave transmission and resonance characteristics.
- Evaluated damping performance against industrial elastomers.
Main Results:
- Nematic LCE exhibits exceptional damping capabilities, significantly exceeding those of ordinary elastomers.
- Optimized geometries effectively accessed internal shear modes for improved damping.
- A strong correlation was found between diverse testing methods (impact, wave transmission, resonance).
Conclusions:
- Nematic LCE is a superior damping material compared to conventional elastomers.
- Further exploration of LCE properties can lead to practical advancements in damping applications.
- Optimizing geometry is key to maximizing the damping benefits of LCE.
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