Event Details
Design and Modelling of an Electrostrictive Inchworm Actuator
Presenter: Mr. Stan Burns - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Supervisor:
Date: Tue, December 4, 2001
Time: 14:00:00 - 15:00:00
Place: EOW 430
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The majority of high force linear actuators today are manufactured on the basis of hydraulic technology. However, there is a strong and increasing demand to switch to electric technology. Applications for such actuators include the car, airplane, and space industries. The concept is by no means a new one, but will further the present research in this area. The technology considered uses an electrostrictive mechanism that "walks" inside an outer casing. This motion emulates an inchworm, summing small steps to achieve large displacements.
The core effort of this presentation investigates the design of an electrostrictive inchworm actuator using the finite element analysis software Ansys. A prototype was constructed based on the finite element results and compared against computer simulations. With the design justified, some applications were explored by optimizing the structural strength of variable geometry adaptive truss structures.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Coffee and Cookies Will be Provided
For Further Information Please Contact: Stan Burns (472-4214)