Muscle: Inspiration for a New Class of Engineered Adaptive System
Abstract
The objective of this research is to develop a new class of adaptive structural systems exploiting muscle-like metastability in modular systems with tunable static and dynamic characteristics. To approach the objective, the PI will develop a structural dynamic framework to explore the systematic utilization of muscle-like metastability, modularity, and multidimensionality in engineered adaptive systems inspired by the constituents and multiscale compositions of muscle. The concept of a metastable module will be introduced that mimic the cross-bridge of muscle and is comprised of arrangement of linear and nonlinear restoring force elements that can exhibit existing dynamic and static equilibria. Metastable modules will be parametrically explored using bench top experiments. Compelling dynamic features will be further explored in systems exhibiting continuously varying and viscoelastic metastability via bistable PDMS elastomer-based modules. These will be explored in one- and two-dimensional configurations and then multiple dimensions where the PI will investigate the influences of force/motion alignment and the dimensionality of module/system realization as inspired by whole-muscle compositions and arrangements. In all thrusts, the PI will explore scaling and the role of material properties. This research will fundamentally advance the understanding and effective integration of modular metastability for new classes of engineered structural/material systems useful for various engineering applications. Through the structural investigations inspired by muscle s constituents and compositions, the proposed investigation will provide novel opportunities to discern the mechanical principles which give rise to the energetic versatility of muscle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510114
Entities
People
- Kon-Well Wang
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Michigan