Dual modulus actuators for snap-through instability
Design paradigms that enable the fast and rapid responses can unlock the true potential of soft-materials as they suffer from slow responses and small forces. Nature is a great source of inspiration where its elegant machineries can put instabilities into work to respond in a rapid manner. Venus flytrap, for example, can close its leaves to catch a prey in less then 100 milliseconds by employing snap-through instability.
Project Summary
We have previously demonstrated the potential of snap-through instability in liquid
crystalline networks (LCNs) with snappers that can actuate in less than 70
milliseconds, propel big and small objects from its surface (Figure 1). In this work we
aim to intensify the performance of snap-through by developing dual modulus
actuators. The first step is going to be the development of chemistry and fabrication
of the LCNs with dual modulus, after which its integration into a device can follow.
