In this paper, some design criteria for a Tubular Linear Induction Motor (TLIM) as a fast actuator are considered. The influence of geometrical and physical parameters on the operating conditions of a TLIM are investigated by means a quasi-analytic model. The model is based on the application of the Fourier Transform both in space and in time. The Fourier transform in space is introduced to tak...

Conjugated polymers are promising actuation materials for bio/micromanipulation systems, biomimetic robots, and biomedical devices. For these applications, it is highly desirable to have predictive models available for feasibility study and design optimization. In this paper a scalable model is presented for trilayer conjugated polymer actuators based on J. Madden's diffusive-elastic-metal mode...

Ground based high-contrast imaging (e.g. extrasolar giant planet detection) has demanding wavefront control requirements two orders of magnitude more precise than standard adaptive optics systems. We demonstrate that these requirements can be achieved with a 1024-Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) deformable mirror having an actuator spacing of 340 microm and a stroke of approximately 1...

Three circular piezoelectric actuators: Bimorph, Thunder, and Radial Field Diaphragm (RFD) function as oscillating diaphragms within a cavity to produce a zero net mass flux air jet. To characterize each diaphragm, displacement response and vibrational characteristics with varying mechanical and electrical boundary conditions were investigated using a saw tooth waveform at 5 Hz. Clamping pressu...

Maxwell Zheng, Kuniharu Takei, Benjamin Hsia, Hui Fang, Xiaobo Zhang, Nicola Ferralis, Hyunhyub Ko, Yu-Lun Chueh, Yuegang Zhang, Roya Maboudian, and Ali Javey Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA and Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA Berkeley Sensor ...

This paper studies the principle of a novel voltage step-up converter based on a micromachined variable parallel-plate capacitor in combination with an electrostatic actuator. Electrical equivalent circuit and system-level SIMULINK models have been developed. Based on these models, an analysis of design parameters and expected device performance has been performed to serve as a starting point f...

We have studied a stacked-type electrostatic actuator by folding two ribbon electrodes in an alternate configuration. The energy efficiency of this type of actuator was investigated using the thick-electrode-part actuator and triangle-shaped actuator. The maximum energy efficiency levels were 30–40% for the thick-electrode-part actuator and 40–50% for the triangle-shaped actuator.

Powered exoskeletons need actuators that can generate substantial assistive torque and orthoses efficiently transfer the to user. also be lightweight ergonomic minimize negative effects wearing exoskeleton has on user's effort comfort. Here we present design, development, validation of an autonomous powered hip with high density. The actuator is based a four-bar mechanism integrated composite s...

Objective The widespread use of carbon nanotube-fabricated electromechanical systems has resulted in new operating scenarios for these structures, such as the presence an external magnetic field. Also, rippling can significantly impact performance nanotube-based actuators. These critical phenomena, however, are frequently overlooked theoretical beam models. This paper simulates electromagnetic ...