Abstract

Flexible Matrix Composites (FMCs) are high performance actuators that exhibit a high mechanical advantage when pressurized. These actuators rely on symmetric layers of carbon fiber surrounding a flexible rubber tube. When the fiber angle is less than 55 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis, these actuators expand radially and contract in length when pressurized. When these actuators are coiled in a disk-shaped wafer, the radial volume change within the composite actuator can be utilized to create a compressive force through the thickness. By varying the actuation pressure, matrix material, fiber winding angle, and inner tubing diameter, the actuation and stiffness properties can be widely varied and suited to the desired application. This research aims to determine the impact on wafer performance by the variation of design parameters. It has been found that increasing the matrix material modulus will increase the overall stiffness of the wafer, while also increasing the maximum load that can be applied. Inversely, a lower modulus matrix will decrease the overall stiffness of the wafer, with the benefit of greater actuation volume. For each combination of fiber and matrix selection, there exists a stratum of pressures allowing for active stiffness and force management during use. From this comprehensive evaluation, a characterization of the wafer performance through experimentation will be reported.

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