Delaney, Mark Patrick
(2010)
Experimental Characterization And Multi-Scale Modeling of Electroplastic Elastomers.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Active materials, and their subsequent use in adaptive structures, have been the subject of increasing attention recently. For example, the ability of shape memory polymers to switch between relatively low and high elastic moduli makes them attractive candidates for implementation in ambitious engineering designs requiring deformable components capable of withstanding various types of loading. However, numerous designs are hindered by the use of a thermal activation stimulus to initiate property change in SMPs. This thesis details the initial development and characterization of a new class of active materials with electrically controlled mechanical property altering characteristics. These "electroplastic elastomers" are polymer-based materials which emulate the property change features of SMPs via cross linking properties of counter ions with varying redox states. The use of an electric-based stimulus would not require a continuous supply of energy to hold state, allow for simpler stimulus control and delivery systems, and provide better user control over material state changes. Characterization tests are performed to determine the compressive properties of cubic-based and thin film electroplastic elastomer samples prepared by the synthesis team consisting of Dr. Tara Meyer and Tianqi Pan of the University of Pittsburgh Chemistry Department. This thesis details the experimental procedures, results, and interpretations of such tests. In addition, the foundations of a multi-scale model utilizing Rotational Isomeric State theory in conjunction with a Monte Carlo methodology are adapted to simulate the effects of increased cross link density characteristics pertaining to electroplastic elastomers. Modeling and simulation development, adaptation, and results are presented as well as methods to further adapt the model once the scope of material developmental parameters is narrowed.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Delaney, Mark Patrick | mpd18@pitt.edu | MPD18 | |
|
| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
25 June 2010 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
10 December 2009 |
| Approval Date: |
25 June 2010 |
| Submission Date: |
25 March 2010 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering |
| Degree: |
MSME - Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Active Materials; Compression Testing; Indentation Testing; Multi-Scale Modeling; Young's Modulus |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-03252010-105306/, etd-03252010-105306 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:32 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:37 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6584 |
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