Modeling liquid crystal elastomers: actuators, pumps, and robots

Robin L. B. Selinger; Badel L. Mbanga; Jonathan V. Selinger

doi:10.1117/12.768282

29 January 2008 Modeling liquid crystal elastomers: actuators, pumps, and robots

Robin L. B. Selinger, Badel L. Mbanga, Jonathan V. Selinger

Proceedings Volume 6911, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies III; 69110A (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.768282
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2008, 2008, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We model the dynamics of shape evolution of liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) in three dimensions using finite element elastodynamics. The model predicts the macroscopic mechanical response induced by changes in nematic order, e.g. by heating or cooling through the isotropic/nematic transition or, in azo-doped materials, by exposure to light. We model the performance of LCE actuator devices including multicomponent actuators, peristaltic pumps and self-propelled robots. The goal of this work is to build a bridge between basic soft matter theory and practical materials engineering/device design. Supported by NSF-DMR-0605889.

Citation Download Citation

Robin L. B. Selinger, Badel L. Mbanga, and Jonathan V. Selinger "Modeling liquid crystal elastomers: actuators, pumps, and robots", Proc. SPIE 6911, Emerging Liquid Crystal Technologies III, 69110A (29 January 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.768282

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