| Ionic Polymer Transducers (IPTs) can act as both actuators and sensors. As actuators, the energy density values are much better than PZT or PVDF materials. As sensors, IPTs are extraordinarily sensitive and have the potential to be used in any mode of deformation. However, application of IPT sensors is limited because of a lack of understanding of their fundamental physics. In this work, the main focus will be to explore and develop a better understanding of how IPTs function with respect to shear deformation. In turn, the results developed here will improve upon the state of understanding of IPT sensors in general and potentially expand meaningful application opportunities. Because IPT active response is a multiscale phenomenon, this study adopts a multiscale modeling framework. Of interest are the interplay among the polymeric backbone of the ionic polymer, the diluent present in the hydrophilic regions of the polymer and the interspersed electrode particulate. To begin, this work improves upon a past multiscale modeling framework for the polymer backbone based upon Rotational Isomeric State Theory such that the effects of material anisotropy may be considered. This is potentially significant in light of the polymer manufacturing process. These modeling results are then incorporated into a model of the diluent movement within the ionic transport regions of the IPT. The electrical current predictions are based upon streaming potential theories. Finally, this model incorporates viscoelastic behavior in order to develop a better understanding of the coupling of these two systems (the polymer and the diluent) and how this coupling influence affects the expected current output over time. |
