Double-Chamber Underwater Thruster Diaphragm with Flexible Displacement Detection Function.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Resistive strain sensors offer reliable stretchability and ductility, making them suitable for integration.
• Neuron-inspired designs can lead to advanced flexible sensor fabrication.
• Silica gel is a versatile matrix for creating flexible electronic components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-detecting diaphragm integrated with a flexible sensor for underwater thruster applications.
• To investigate the performance of resistive flexible sensors based on silica gel with varying carbon additives.
• To evaluate the anti-interference capabilities and mechanical stability of the integrated diaphragm.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of resistive flexible sensors using silica gel with carbon black and carbon nanotubes.
• Testing sensor performance under varying strain conditions (up to 60%).
• Evaluating pressure sensitivity by altering silica gel hardness.
• Assessing the integrated diaphragm's mechanical properties and underwater response using tensile testing and LCR testing.

Main Results:

• Sensors with a 9 wt% ratio of carbon black and carbon nanotubes showed optimal resistance-strain linearity.
• Silica gel with higher hardness exhibited superior resistance to environmental pressure interference.
• The integrated diaphragm demonstrated stable mechanical properties, reliable resistance characteristics, and sensitive underwater response.

Conclusions:

• A novel self-detecting diaphragm with integrated flexible sensor capabilities has been successfully developed.
• The developed sensor system shows promise for underwater thruster applications and motion detection in soft robots.
• Material composition and substrate hardness are critical factors for optimizing sensor performance and anti-interference.