Liquid crystalline elastomer films fly in the sky

Hao Zeng; Jianfeng Yang

doi:10.1117/12.3010139

10 May 2024 Liquid crystalline elastomer films fly in the sky

Hao Zeng, Jianfeng Yang

Proceedings Volume PC12948, Soft Mechatronics and Wearable Systems; PC129480D (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010139
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2024, Long Beach, California, United States

Abstract

There are two basic types of dispersal mechanisms in natural seeds: (1) Parachute-like seeds, such as dandelions, employ parachute-like structures equipped with fine, filamentous appendages that create air resistance; and (2) Maple seeds can autorotate in the air, utilizing mechanisms reminiscent of helicopters to generate lift, thus prolonging their airborne time. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of engineering passive flying soft robots through the combination of smart materials (liquid crystalline elastomers) with tailored aerodynamic designs. We have created two wind-assisted fliers, parachute-like flier and spinning one, inspired by dandelion seed and maple rotary seed, respectively. We report the fine-tune of the soft fliers’ structure by change of external stimuli, i.e., light and humidity, light control of the take-off and landing. We also demonstrate possibility to integrate onboard materials sensors for remote sensing (optical reflection, humidity, pH, etc).

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Hao Zeng and Jianfeng Yang "Liquid crystalline elastomer films fly in the sky", Proc. SPIE PC12948, Soft Mechatronics and Wearable Systems, PC129480D (10 May 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3010139

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available