Arbitrary curvature programming of thermo-active liquid crystal elastomer via topology optimization

Li, Weichen; Zhang, Xiaojia Shelly

doi:10.1016/j.cma.2023.116393

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…To model this phenomena, LCE continuum material models use a scalar-or tensor-order parameter to quantify the alignment of the LCE mesogens. Such models have been validated for both small-and large-strain deformations resulting from a variety of loadings, e.g., thermal and light [44][45][46][47].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To the best of the authors' knowledge, neither shape optimization nor combined shape and LC orientation optimization have been investigated for LCEs. Related work relies on simplified material models that may not adequately capture the intricate response exhibited by LCE materials [18,19], or explores only two-dimensional LC orientation optimization [47]. Thus, the primary contributions of this manuscript are the combined LC orientation and shape optimization of LCE structures in a computational framework that is amenable to multiple printing technologies (e.g., direct ink write and digital light processing) employed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Barrera,

Cook,

Lee

et al. 2024

Polymers

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Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are responsive materials that can undergo large reversible deformations upon exposure to external stimuli, such as electrical and thermal fields. Controlling the alignment of their liquid crystals mesogens to achieve desired shape changes unlocks a new design paradigm that is unavailable when using traditional materials. While experimental measurements can provide valuable insights into their behavior, computational analysis is essential to exploit their full potential. Accurate simulation is not, however, the end goal; rather, it is the means to achieve their optimal design. Such design optimization problems are best solved with algorithms that require gradients, i.e., sensitivities, of the cost and constraint functions with respect to the design parameters, to efficiently traverse the design space. In this work, a nonlinear LCE model and adjoint sensitivity analysis are implemented in a scalable and flexible finite element-based open source framework and integrated into a gradient-based design optimization tool. To display the versatility of the computational framework, LCE design problems that optimize both the material, i.e., liquid crystal orientation, and structural shape to reach a target actuated shapes or maximize energy absorption are solved. Multiple parameterizations, customized to address fabrication limitations, are investigated in both 2D and 3D. The case studies are followed by a discussion on the simulation and design optimization hurdles, as well as potential avenues for improving the robustness of similar computational frameworks for applications of interest.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Barrera,

Cook,

Lee

et al. 2024

Polymers

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Active compliant mechanisms for optimized actuation by LCE-based artificial muscles

Chen,

Wang,

Liu

2024

Mechanics of Materials

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Computational morphogenesis for liquid crystal elastomer metamaterial

Li,

Zhang

2024

npj Comput Mater

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Liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) is a type of soft active material that generates large and reversible spontaneous deformations upon temperature changes, facilitating various environmentally responsive smart applications. Despite their success, most existing LCE metamaterials are designed in a forward fashion based on intuition and feature regular material patterns, which may hinder the reach of LCE’s full potential in producing complex and desired functionalities. Here, we develop a computational inverse design framework for discovering diverse sophisticated temperature-activated and -interactive nonlinear behaviors for LCE metamaterials in a fully controllable fashion. We generate intelligent LCE metamaterials with a wide range of switchable functionalities upon temperature changes. By sensing the environment, these metamaterials can realize maximized spontaneous area expansion/contraction, precisely programmable enclosed opening size change, and temperature-switchable nonlinear stress–strain relations and deformation modes. The optimized unit cells feature irregular LCE patterns and form complex and highly nonlinear mechanisms. The inverse design computational framework, optimized material patterns, and revealed underlying mechanisms fundamentally advance the design capacity of LCE metamaterials, benefiting environment-aware and -adaptive smart materials.

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Arbitrary curvature programming of thermo-active liquid crystal elastomer via topology optimization

Cited by 4 publications

References 66 publications

Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Active compliant mechanisms for optimized actuation by LCE-based artificial muscles

Computational morphogenesis for liquid crystal elastomer metamaterial

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