Seminar: Bio-Inspired Pneumatic Artificial Muscles for Aerospace and Robotic Applications

Abstract

Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) were first conceived by Gaylord in the 1950’s, and have since been investigated for use in prosthetic and robotic devices, soft robotics, morphing and nastic structures, and aerospace applications. Only recently, however, have PAMs been seriously considered for aerospace applications. PAMs possess many attractive characteristics for implementation in these areas. They are simple, lightweight actuators that produce high levels of force and large, usable stroke at moderate actuation pressures (< 620 kPa). The potential advantages of PAM actuators extend beyond their high performance levels. PAMs are naturally compliant and are highly tolerant to misalignment and impulsive loading. Air can be distributed to PAMS via flexible, lightweight, low pressure tubing, PAMs are highly amenable to distributed actuation concepts. First, the advantages and disadvantages of PAMs relative to other smart material-based actuation technologies is discussed in terms of block force, free contraction, specific actuation force and specific work. This lecture also discusses applications of such PAMS to aerospace systems including space robotics for manipulator and end effectors, EVA gloves, trailing edge flaps in helicopter rotor blades, and miniaturized actuators for soft robots.

About the Speaker

Dr. Wereley‘s research interests are in dynamics and control of smart structures applied to helicopters, robotics, as well as aerospace and automotive systems. He has a strong focus on active and passive vibration isolation, shock mitigation (especially occupant protection systems), and actuation systems. Dr. Wereley has published over 185 journal articles, 16 book chapters, and over 275 conference articles. Dr. Wereley is an inventor on 18 patents and over a dozen patents pending. Dr. Wereley is Editor of the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures and associate editor of AIAA Journal and Journal of the American Helicopter Society. Dr. Wereley is the recipient of several awards including AIAA National Capital Section Engineer of the Year (2009), AIAA Sustained Service Award (2011), the AHS Harry T. Jensen Award (2011), the ASME Adaptive Structures and Materials Systems Best Paper Award in Structural Dynamics and Control (2004, 2012), and the SPIE Lifetime Achievement Award in Smart Structures and Materials. Dr. Wereley is also the recipient of the ASME Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Prize (2012). Dr. Wereley is a Fellow of AIAA, ASME, SPIE, and the Institute of Physics.

http://www.core.umd.edu/

Hosted by Professor Vishnu Baba Sundaresan