Distributed Algorithms for Stiffness and Shape Changing Computational Meta-Materials

Abstract

This research has led to novel devices, distributed algorithms and tools for smart composites that can change their shape by controlling their stiffness. The composite consists of variable stiffness actuators based on thermoplastic polymers, nichrome wiring, temperature sensor, and a networked microcontroller. The microcontrollers work in concert to calculate the required stiffness in order to achieve any desired shape. The algorithm for shape change is fully distributed and scales well with the size of the material and the number of elements. The approach has been experimentally validated on a beam of six variable stiffness elements that autonomously achieved a variety of shapes just using electricity and a bending moment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 28, 2018
Accession Number
AD1060463

Entities

People

  • Nicolaus Correll

Organizations

  • University of Colorado Boulder

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Actuators
  • Algorithms
  • Circuit Boards
  • Composite Materials
  • Computational Complexity
  • Computations
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Science
  • Electronics
  • Human-Machine Interaction
  • Machine Learning
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Networks
  • Neural Networks
  • Signal Processing
  • Soft Robotics

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computer Vision.
  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.