A nonlinear beam model of photomotile structures
Abstract
Actuation and propulsion are significant challenges in soft robotics. Supply of power typically requires a cumbersome tether or heavy onboard power source. Further, one typically needs to reset the system. Using theory and numerical simulations, we show, in this work, that this challenge can be overcome by the use of photomechanical materials and actuation by light. We develop a simple modeling framework which reveals how steady illumination from a distance can give rise to cyclic motion. Such motion can be exploited for actuation and propulsion with no need for tether or onboard power source, through the natural but nonlinear/nonlocal coupling between deformation and light absorption.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 16, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1915374117
Entities
People
- Alexa S Kuenstler
- Basile Audoly
- Kaushik Bhattacharya
- Kevin Korner
- Ryan C Hayward
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology
- National Science Foundation
- Office of Naval Research
- Polytechnic Institute of Paris
- University of Massachusetts