Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Actuators for Planetary Applications

摘要: NASA is seeking to reduce the mass, size, consumed power, and cost of instrumentation used in its future missions. An important element many instruments devices actuation mechanism electroactive polymers (EAP) are offering an effective alternative current actuators. In this study, two families EAP materials were investigated, including bending ionomers longitudinal electrostatically driven elastomers. These demonstrated effectively actuate manipulation their performance being enhanced on-going study. The recent observations reported paper, include operation bending-EAP at conditions that exceed harsh environment on Mars, identify obstacles properties characteristics posing using them as Analysis electrical ionomer showed it a material rather than voltage conductivity distribution surface greatly influences performance. accurate equivalent circuit modeling essential for design drive electronics. main limitations fact needs be moist continuously process electrolysis takes place during activation. coating technique sprayed polymer was developed extending air from few minutes about four months. forms skin protect moisture content ionomer. parallel development EAP, computer control actuated has been pursued. miniature robotic arm constructed controlled by MATLAB code drop lift close open fingers 4-finger gripper.