• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.22-30
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• 2006

In this paper, a systematic design method on an IPMC(ionic polymer-metal composite)-driven ZNMF(zero-net-mass-flux) pump is introduced for the flow control of an MAV's (micro air vehicle) wing. Since the IPMC is able to generate a large deformation under a low input voltage along with its ability to operate in air, and is easier to be manufactured in a small size, it is considered to be an ideal material of the actuating diaphragm. Through the numerical methods, an optimal shape of the IPMC　diaphragm was found for maximizing the stroke volume. Based on the optimal IPMC diaphragm, a proto-type ZNMF pump with a slot, was designed. By using the flight speed of the MAV considered in this work, the driving frequencies(~ 40 Hz) of IPMC diaphragm, and the flow velocity through the pump's slot, the calculated non-dimensional frequency and the momentum coefficient ensure the feasibility of the designed ZNMF pump as a flow control device.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.377-383
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• 2009

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator generates bending actuation via ion/water flux to the cathode side under an electric field. Polyelectrolytes in IPMC should possess high water-retention capability, proton conductivity, and Young's modulus. In this study. for endowing IPMCs with these properties, Nafion-alumina composite membranes containing $\alpha$- or $\gamma$-aluminas of $4{\sim}8$ wt% were prepared. Mechanical moduli of Nafion-alumina composite membranes were $7{\sim}3$ MPa higher than that of Nafion, with the slight decrease in proton conductivity. At DC 3 V. the actuation performance of the Nafion-$\alpha$-alumina (8 wt%)-IPMC was superior to that of the typical Nafion-IPMC. exhibiting 2.7 times the displacement with an enhanced blocking force. The enhanced actuation performance with the Nafion-$\alpha$-alumina composite membranes was attributed to the higher proton conductivity, the elevated ion/water flux, and the lower interfacial electric resistance of platinum electrodes and membrane, compared with those containing $\gamma$-alumina.

• Composites Research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.50-54
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• 2007

The Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC), an electro-active polymer, has many advantages including bending actuation, low weight, low power consumption, and flexibility. These advantages coincide with the requirements of a bio-related application. Thus, IPMC is promising materials for bio-mimetic actuator and sensor applications. Before applying IPMC to actual application, basic mechanical properties of IPMC should be studied in order to utilize IPMC for practical uses. Therefore, IPMCs are fabricated to investigate the mechanical characteristics. Nafion is used as a base ionic polymer. Mason samples cast with various thicknesses are used to test the thickness effects of IPMC. Subsequently, IPMC is fabricated using the chemical reduction method. The deformation, blocking force and frequency response of the IPMC actuator are important properties. In this present study, the performances of the IPMC actuators, including the deformation, blocking force and natural frequency, are then obtained according to only the input voltage and IPMC dimensions. Finally, the empirical performance model and the equivalent stiffness model of the IPMC actuator are established using experiments results.