This paper presents the results of our work in building a finite element based numerical model, to study and understand the actuation characteristics of gels especially in response to the changes in pH, temperature and electrical potential. Steady state behavior of the gel is considered initially within an overall model based on 'equilibrium mechanical condition' with buffer and fixed ion concentrations as the most affecting parametric variables. The finite element analysis was carried out using commercially available multi-physics software, 'COMSOL'. This simulation used the variables fixed charge density, pH (2-12), buffer solution ionic concentration (2- 10 mM) and electric potential (0 to 2 V). The variation in gel deformation characteristics with respect to temperature and applied electrostatic potential are presented. The typical dimensions of the actuator considered are 1 mm × 3 mm. The gel deformation or displacement with varying length to width ratio and applied potential is also described. A detailed analysis of these results is discussed in this paper.

Date Published: 21 December 2007
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 6798, Microelectronics: Design, Technology, and Packaging III, 67980P (21 December 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.769925

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6798:
Microelectronics: Design, Technology, and Packaging III
Alex J. Hariz; Vijay K. Varadan, Editor(s)