Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
This configuration provides the membrane electrode functioning as a cathode
and the thin conducting wire in a helical spring from being an anode shedding H+.
It can cause the PAN fiber to contract within the helically configured wire and flexible
membrane and the wire will also contract like a helical spring with the PAN fiber.
Once the polarity is changed, the PAN fiber tends to expand and the compressed
helical spring will help it expand in a resilient manner.
4.3.8
PAN A
CTUATOR
S
YSTEM
D
ESIGN
AND
F
ABRICATION
The configuration in figure 4.37 shows the updated design of the PAN actuator system.
It can cause the PAN fiber to contract within the flexible membrane (bellows-type
rubber boots) as shown in figure 4.38. Once the polarity is changed, the PAN fiber
tends to expand and the compressed flexible membrane will help it expand in a resilient
manner. The fabrication of this unit has been under way for performance testing.
4.3.9
PAN P
ERFORMANCE
T
ESTING
IN
AN
A
CIDIC
E
NVIRONMENT
The objective of this experiment was to determine the contraction and elongation
lengths of PAN fibers (cooked in 1
N
LiOH for 30 min) during electrical activation
V
Gas vent hole
Pan muscle
We ak spring form
of electrode
Water
Rubber boots
Cap
PAN muscle concept drawing
FIGURE 4.37
PAN actuator system design.
FIGURE 4.38
Rubber boots.
