Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.96
Braided PAN bundle in an expanded state.
FIGURE 4.97
Dimensional changes of the electrochemical cell system.
The other parameter in the test environment remained the same as in the previous
test environment, as reported in the previous progress reports.
Two kinds of PAN bundle were used. One was looped while another was kept
straight, as shown in figures 4.98(a) and 4.98(b). Both PAN muscle fiber bundles
had the same number of strands (15 strands). The shape of the braided strands
was still maintained after activation (1
M
LiOH). The snap of each strand during
the test manipulation was reduced. We noted that the braid restricted free movement
of each fiber string, which disturbed expansion or shrinkage of PAN muscle.
Straight PAN was tested to detect whether the looping caused negative effect on
the muscle system.
The testing proceeded for 25 min and showed 2-mm displacement (producing
a maximum of 20 gf) of PAN muscle fiber bundle system (fig. 4.99). It was observed
that the volume change, which we thought was the main driving force, had its linear
movement restricted and/or disturbed by the braided configuration. The straight
braided fiber bundle system did not show any different behavior.
