An electroactive polymer (EAP) is a plastic-like material that changes shape when voltage is applied to it. It can serve as an actuator or sensor and has myriad other applications such as conductors, batteries and transducers. It can handle large amounts of deformation, have many properties similar to biological tissues, and have great potential in the field of robotics.
The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center-San Diego (SSC San Diego) has woven together single strands of EAPs. These braids are made up of EAP tiles connected by actuators. Actuators are electrodes that electrically stimulate the individual EAP segments. By controlling the actuators, the EAP braid can perform a wide range of motions, including contracting, elongating, expanding outward or inward, twisting, bending and curving. The strength, size and durability of the braid can be optimized for various purposes by using appropriate types of EAP and applying the needed voltage.
Braided EAPs are lightweight and offer the advantage of being able to cooperatively generate forces on three dimensions, while individual strands can only exert force in one dimension. A limitless number of shapes can be woven to create necessary structures depending on the application (cylinder, sphere, blanket, box, etc.). Braided EAPs also enable scalability for large and small devices alike and can be used in unconventional settings such as at depth in the ocean.
More info: Stephen Lieberman, 619-553-2778, stephen.lieberman@navy.mil
