Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer extra strength and high temperature capabilities in comparison with unrein-forced metals. Aluminum composites possess higher stiffness, strength, fatigue properties and low weight ...Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer extra strength and high temperature capabilities in comparison with unrein-forced metals. Aluminum composites possess higher stiffness, strength, fatigue properties and low weight advantages. Carbon fiber reinforced Al composites (Al-Cf) and silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al composites (AI-SiCp) were shock densified using axisymmetric assemblies for underwater explosions. Unidirectional planar shock waves were applied to obtain uniform consolidation of the composites. The energy generator was a high explosive of 6.9 km/s detonation velocity. Irregular morphological powders of Al were the base material. The reinforcement ratio was 15 Vol. pet for Al-Cf composites and 30 Vol. pet for AI-SiCp composites. The microstructural and the strength characteristics of the shock consolidated Al composites are reported.展开更多
The ionic polymer–metal composite(IPMC),a type of electroactive polymer(EAP)actuator,has created a unique opportunity to design robots that mimic the motion of biological systems due to its soft structure and operati...The ionic polymer–metal composite(IPMC),a type of electroactive polymer(EAP)actuator,has created a unique opportunity to design robots that mimic the motion of biological systems due to its soft structure and operation at a low voltage.Although this polymer actuator has strong potential for a next-generation artificial muscle actuator,it has been observed by many researchers that supplying actuation voltages in multiple locations is challenging.In robotic applications,a tethered operation is prohibited and the battery weight can be critical for actual implementation.In this research,the remote unit can provide necessary power and control signals to the target mobile robot units actuated by IPMCs.This research addresses a novel approach of using a wireless power link between the IPMC and a remote unit using microstrip patch antennas designed on the electrode surface of the IPMC for transmitting the power.Frequency modulation of the microwave is proposed to selectively actuate a particular portion of the IPMC where the matching patch antenna pattern is located.This approach can be especially useful for long-term operation of small-scale locomotion units and avoids problems caused by complex internal wiring often observed in various types of biologically inspired robots.展开更多
文摘Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer extra strength and high temperature capabilities in comparison with unrein-forced metals. Aluminum composites possess higher stiffness, strength, fatigue properties and low weight advantages. Carbon fiber reinforced Al composites (Al-Cf) and silicon carbide particulate reinforced Al composites (AI-SiCp) were shock densified using axisymmetric assemblies for underwater explosions. Unidirectional planar shock waves were applied to obtain uniform consolidation of the composites. The energy generator was a high explosive of 6.9 km/s detonation velocity. Irregular morphological powders of Al were the base material. The reinforcement ratio was 15 Vol. pet for Al-Cf composites and 30 Vol. pet for AI-SiCp composites. The microstructural and the strength characteristics of the shock consolidated Al composites are reported.
基金support for this work under the grant number IIS-0713075 and 0713083。
文摘The ionic polymer–metal composite(IPMC),a type of electroactive polymer(EAP)actuator,has created a unique opportunity to design robots that mimic the motion of biological systems due to its soft structure and operation at a low voltage.Although this polymer actuator has strong potential for a next-generation artificial muscle actuator,it has been observed by many researchers that supplying actuation voltages in multiple locations is challenging.In robotic applications,a tethered operation is prohibited and the battery weight can be critical for actual implementation.In this research,the remote unit can provide necessary power and control signals to the target mobile robot units actuated by IPMCs.This research addresses a novel approach of using a wireless power link between the IPMC and a remote unit using microstrip patch antennas designed on the electrode surface of the IPMC for transmitting the power.Frequency modulation of the microwave is proposed to selectively actuate a particular portion of the IPMC where the matching patch antenna pattern is located.This approach can be especially useful for long-term operation of small-scale locomotion units and avoids problems caused by complex internal wiring often observed in various types of biologically inspired robots.
