Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.4
Isotonic (left) and isoionic (right) test fixtures for PAN fiber artificial muscles.
FIGURE 4.5
Schematic diagram of the isoionic test fixture.
get a relation between constant tension and muscle contraction. Similarly, the test
can be repeated by using weak alkaline solution such as 1
NaOH and recording
the muscle relaxation versus a known tensile force. This is known as isotonic
characterization.
M
4.3.2
I
T
SOIONIC
EST
As seen in figure 4.6, this fixture consists of an all-Lexan made apparatus especially
resistant to corrosive materials. The apparatus is made up of a needle calibrated to
show various displacement as the PAN muscle expands and contracts to show a
correlation between displacement and constant pH environment. By applying a
constant pH solution and letting the muscle reach equilibrium position, a displace-
ment can be recorded. Repeating this for several different pH conditions will give
a relation for isoionic characterization of the muscle.
