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Programming shape-shifting of flat bilayers composed of tough hydrogels under transient swelling

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Abstract

Various actuation mechanisms are utilized in nature to control the shape-shifting and functionalities of living organisms. Shape-shifting is a common function observed in various natural structures, such as seed dispersal units, carnivorous plants, and climbing plants. Plenty of these natural materials are capable of shape-shifting due to the orientations of cellulose microfibrils and their swelling and also shrinkage in response to environmental stimuli. Inspired by nature, bio-microstructures are designed to be programmed by their shape-shifting behavior under external stimuli. According to the vast applications of smart bilayers in actuators, in this paper, we study a variety of bilayer designs that self-transform their flat shape to a complex 3D geometry. We examine different arrangements of bilayers, including different segment-patterned and stripe-patterned tough polyampholyte hydrogel-elastomer bilayers, to program several modes of shape-shifting such as self-rolling and self-twisting. In this regard, a transient coupled electro-chemo-mechanical constitutive model is implemented in a large deformation finite element framework considering the time-dependent swelling behavior of tough hydrogel. Accordingly, a generalized Maxwell model along with the Yeoh strain energy is coupled with the Nernst–Planck equation. The model parameters are calibrated using uniaxial tensile experimental tests in different loading rates and salt concentrations. Then, various shape-shiftings of flat bilayers composed of tough hydrogel and elastomer are examined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Shojaeifard & Mostafa Baghani

  2. Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Soha Niroumandi

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  1. Mohammad Shojaeifard
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Shojaeifard, M., Niroumandi, S. & Baghani, M. Programming shape-shifting of flat bilayers composed of tough hydrogels under transient swelling. Acta Mech 233, 213–232 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00707-021-03117-y

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