Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

6-26-2015

Abstract

A FEA (Finite Element Analysis) model was used to determine the change in performance that results from varying the size and shape of IPMC (Ionic Polymer Metal Composite) fingers. Using Comsol Multiphysics and modeFRONTIER, these fingers were modeled and optimized for both force exerted and deflection. Using the Comsol model, we were able to determine the tip deflection and force output of many different IPMC fingers which were verified experimentally. Then, using modeFRONTIER we were able to optimize the fingers to determine the best shape and area depending on whether a high force or deflection was desired.

Keywords

Microgrippers, IPMC, Comsol, modeFRONTIER

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Khraishi, Tariq

Second Committee Member

Heinrich, Juan

Sponsors

National Science Foundation

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

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