This paper focuses on actuating mode shapes of cellulose-based electro-active paper (EAPap) in order to investigate its suitability as actuators. Firstly, actuating mechanism of EAPap is addressed based on intrinsic characteristics of cellulose structures under electric fields. EAPap actuator is then fabricated by embedding gold as electrodes into both sides of cellophane sheets. Actuating mode shapes under electric fields are phenomenological measured via laser scanning vibrometer at different exciting frequencies as well as relative humidity. Various actuating performances with large deformations are obtained by applying low electric fields, which can produce a suitable deformation capability with light weight, low power consumption and simple fabrication. Experimental results provide that EAPap can be used as a potential actuating candidate for shape control of smart structures, along with bio-inspired actuator materials.
The previous experimental results showed that 230 volts of output was obtained from a 6 x 6 array at a far-field exposure (1.8 meters away) with an x-band input power of 20 watts. This result showed a feasibility of using a microwave to power feed and control smart actuators. Based on the previous research reported, we have achieved 500 V output level for practical applications. However, the rectenna has rigid structures that may give a limitation of flexibility of the smart actuators’ system. In order to apply this concept into real applications, the rectennas have to be flexible, so that it could be patched on smart actuators. In this paper, a design concept of various flexible rectennas and their performances in terms of design parameters such as geometry of rectenna will be discussed as well as integration for a system. The performance of flexible designed rectennas as a preliminary experiment will be presented in terms of the input power, output power of the rectennas, various shapes of rectennas in an array for difference applications, and their efficiencies.
This paper focuses on the mechanical and electrical characteristics of electro-active paper (EAPap) as a bio-inspired actuator and the potential use of these actuators in some specific applications. EAPap can undergo a large bending displacement at a relatively low voltage under low power consumption in dry conditions. EAPap samples as tested are made from chemically treated cellulose paper. When an electrical field is applied to the electrodes, a “bending displacement” is produced as the material tends to deform into a constant curvature coil. However, the EAPap is a complex anisotropic material, which has not been extensively characterized and additional basic and design testing is required before developing application devices from EAPap. Mechanical properties of selected EAPap materials along three material axes are addressed. EAPap material exhibits two distinct elastic constants connected by a bifurcation point along the stress strain diagram. The initial Young’s modulus of EAPap is in the range of 5-8GPa, -- quite high compared to other polymer materials. The thermo-mechanical analysis of EAPap is investigated to determine such factors as the degree of dimensional change due to dehydration and the maximum use temperature. Fatigue test identifies critical properties of this under-analyzed class of materials to provide a measure of its fatigue capabilities. The Electrical impedance analysis and dielectric property measurement with frequency are also important information that allows us to characterize the electrical behavior of EAPap. The performance of Eapap is measured in terms of tip displacement, blocking force and electrical power consumption. Through this series of tests, better understanding of the EAPap materials is obtained to researchers and designers interested in smart materials and EAP areas.
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