Model-based design of a mechanically intelligent shape-morphing structure

Abstract

Soft robotics has significant interest within the industrial applications due to its advantages in flexibility and adaptability. Nevertheless, its potential is challenged by low stiffness and limited deformability, particularly in large-scale application scenarios such as underwater and offshore engineering. The integration of smart materials and morphing structures presents a promising avenue for enhancing the capabilities of soft robotic systems, especially in large deformation and variations in stiffness. In this study, we propose a multiple smart materials based mechanically intelligent structure devised through a model-based design framework. Specifically, the intelligent structure incorporates smart hydrogel and shape memory polymer (SMP). Employing the finite element method (FEM), we simulated the complex interactions among smart material to analyze the performance characteristics of the intelligent structure. The results demonstrate that, utilizing smart hydrogel and shape memory polymer (SMP) can effectively attain large deformation and exhibit variable stiffness due to the shape memory effect. Besides, the shape-morphing structures exhibit customized behaviours including bending, curling, and elongation, all while reducing reliance on external power sources. In conclusion, utilizing multiple smart materials within the model-based design framework offers an efficient approach for developing mechanically intelligent structure capable of complex deformations and variable stiffness, thereby providing support for underwater or offshore engineering applications.