Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 9.19
Interdigitated electrode arrangement on an IPMNC strip to create a serpentine-
like contractile and slithering artificial muscle.
FIGURE 9.20
Another interdigitated electrode arrangement on a slithering IPMNC strip to
create a serpentine-like contractile and slithering artificial muscle.
Some actual configurations of slithering IPMNC strips were constructed, as
shown in figures 9.21(a) and 9.21(b). However, the results are not yet very encour-
aging because the stiffness of the strips prevented them from easy slithering. Efforts
are underway to manufacture thinner IPMNC strips and to repeat such experiments
to observe more profound serpentine-like or snake-like slithering and maneuvering
motions of IPMNC strips.
9.2.7
M
ETERING
V
ALVES
Metering valves can be manufactured from IPMNCs. By applying a calibrated
amount of direct voltage/current to the IPMNC metering valve attached to any tubes
and, consequently, varying the degree of bending displacement of the IPMNC, the
control of aqueous fluid flow can be attained. Figure 9.22 depicts a set of data
obtained in using an IPMNC strip in a fluttering mode in a pipe flow.
9.2.8
D
IAPHRAGM
P
UMPS
U
SING
F
LEXING
IPMNC S
TRIPS
AND
D
IAPHRAGMS
Bellows pumps can be made by attaching two planar sections of slightly different sizes
of IPMNC sections and properly placing electrodes on the resulting cavity. This permits
modulation of the volume trapped between the IPMNCs. The applied voltage amplitude
and frequency can be adjusted to control the flow and volume of fluid being pumped.
