• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.1865-1870
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• 2010

We develop an IPMC actuator with self-sensing behavior based on an accurate neural network model (NNM). The supplied voltage and voltage signals measured at two determined points on both sides of the IPMC sheet are used as inputs to the NNM. A CCD laser displacement sensor is installed in the rig for accurate measurement of the IPMC tip displacement that is used as the training output of the proposed NNM. Consequently, the NNM model is used to estimate the IPMC tip displacement; the NNM parameters are optimized by the collected input/output training data. The effectiveness of the model for the IPMC actuator is then verified by modeling results.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.499-508
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• 2017

The ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) is an electroactive polymer material and has a promising potential as actuators for propulsion and locomotion in underwater systems. In this paper a physics based model is used to analyse the actuation dynamics of the IPMC propulsor. Moreover, proportional-integral (PI) controller is used for position control of the tip displacement of IPMC propulsor. PI parameter tuning is performed using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Several performance indices have been used as an objective function to optimize the error of the system. Finally, the best tuning method is found out by comparing the results under various performance indices.

• Composites Research
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.383-388
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• 2015

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) consisting of soft membrane plated by platinum electrode layers on both surfaces generates electric energy when subjected to various mechanical stimuli. The paper proposes a circuit model that describes the physical composition of IPMC to predict the voltage generation characteristic corresponding to bending motion. The parameter values in the model are identified to minimize the RMS error between the real and simulated outputs. Following the design of IPMC circuit model, the state observer of the model is designed by using pole placement technique which improves the model accuracy. State observer design technique is also applied to find the inverse model which estimates the input bending angles from the output voltage data. The results show that the inverse model estimates input bending angles fairly well enough for the further applications of IPMC not only as an energy harvester but also as a bending sensor.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.6 no.7
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• pp.867-887
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• 2010

An energy-based variational approach is used for structural dynamic modeling of the IPMC (Ionic Polymer Metal Composites) flapping wing. Dynamic characteristics of the wing are analyzed using numerical simulations. Starting with the initial design, critical parameters which have influence on the performance of the wing are identified through parametric studies. An optimization study is performed to obtain improved flapping actuation of the IPMC wing. It is shown that the optimization algorithm leads to a flapping wing with dimensions similar to the dragonfly Aeshna Multicolor wing. An unsteady aerodynamic model based on modified strip theory is used to obtain the aerodynamic forces. It is found that the IPMC wing generates sufficient lift to support its own weight and carry a small payload. It is therefore a potential candidate for flapping wing of micro air vehicles.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.717-722
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• 2012

This paper presents the design and dynamic model of the finger exoskeleton actuated by Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC) to assist a tip pinch task. Although this exoskeleton will be developed to assist 3 degree-of-freedom motion of each finger, it has been currently made to perform the tip pinch task using 1 degree-of-freedom mechanism as the first step. The six layers of IPMC were stacked in parallel to increase the low actuation force of IPMC. In addition, the finger dummy was manufactured to evaluate the performance of the finger exoskeleton. The pinch task experiments, which were performed on the finger dummy with the developed exoskeleton, showed that the pinch force close to the desired level was obtained. Moreover, the dynamic model of the exoskeleton and finger dummy was developed in order to perform the various analyses for the improvement of the exoskeleton.