A new class of glassy liquid crystal elastomers are studied to understand their light-coupled deformation characteristics. In particular, the photomechanics of azobenzene liquid crystal elastomers is modeled using a nonlinear continuum mechanics approach coupled with time-dependent liquid crystal domain structure evolution to understand light polarization effects on deformation. Light propagation and absorption within the elastomer is modeled using Maxwell’s electro-magnetic equations. By consideration of electric energy due to light absorption, light-induced electrical stresses are introduced which provide the driving force for mechanical deformation via coupling with the azobenzene liquid crystals. A liquid crystal director (i.e., orientation of the liquid crystal molecule) is used to describe liquid crystal evolution and elastomer deformation. This aspect of the model is extended to include 3D effects to accommodate trans-cis-trans photoisomerization. This is coupled to plane stress, nonlinear mechanics to demonstrate key field-coupled mechanics relations governing this class of smart materials. The results show that the model successfully predicts large, bi-directional bending of the polymer film by controlling the polarization of light. The results are consistent with recent experimental data given in the literature.
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ASME 2010 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems
September 28–October 1, 2010
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Aerospace Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4415-1
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
A Phase Field Model of Photo-Induced Trans-Cis-Trans Bending of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Films
Hongbo Wang,
Hongbo Wang
Florida A&M/Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
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William S. Oates
William S. Oates
Florida A&M/Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Search for other works by this author on:
Hongbo Wang
Florida A&M/Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
William S. Oates
Florida A&M/Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Paper No:
SMASIS2010-3657, pp. 421-430; 10 pages
Published Online:
April 4, 2011
Citation
Wang, H, & Oates, WS. "A Phase Field Model of Photo-Induced Trans-Cis-Trans Bending of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Films." Proceedings of the ASME 2010 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. ASME 2010 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, Volume 1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. September 28–October 1, 2010. pp. 421-430. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2010-3657
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