Performance of a bionic Carangidae robot fish based on a dielectric elastomer material
Pioneering Soft Robotics: Dielectric Elastomers Propel Bio-Inspired Underwater Exploration
This study unveils a novel bionic robot fish, inspired by Carangidae, that uses dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators for fin-driven propulsion. By mimicking natural fish movements, the robot achieves enhanced swimming performance, demonstrating DEs' potential in flexible bionic systems.
Executive Impact Assessment
The development of DE-driven bionic robot fish represents a significant leap for enterprises in advanced robotics, particularly for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and flexible inspection systems. This technology promises robust, adaptable, and efficient underwater operation, reducing maintenance costs and expanding operational capabilities in challenging environments.
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Max Swimming Speed
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Optimal Driving Frequency
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DE Strain Increase
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
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Dielectric Elastomers: The Core Innovation
Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are advanced smart materials renowned for their high strain, rapid response, and efficient electromechanical coupling. When an electric field is applied, DEs change shape, converting electrical energy into mechanical work. This research highlights their suitability for soft actuators in flexible bionic robots due to their high energy density, low cost, robust magnetic interference resistance, and water-like density. Their minimum energy structure (DEMES) is key to achieving precise, bio-inspired movements.
Enterprise Applications
DEs pave the way for next-generation flexible sensors, haptic feedback systems, and soft robotic grippers. Their lightweight and adaptive nature is crucial for industries requiring biocompatible materials or highly compliant actuators, such as advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and custom automation solutions.
Bio-Inspired Propulsion & Performance
The bionic Carangidae robot fish utilizes fin-driven propulsion through a Medium and/Or Paired Fin (MPF) mode, replicating the streamlined, efficient swimming of real fish. This involves alternating backward and forward fin strokes for movement. The study systematically investigates the robot's swimming behavior under sinusoidal voltage signals, identifying an optimal frequency of 3 Hz and demonstrating how connection angle influences propulsive efficiency, reaching a maximum speed of 8.6 mm/s.
Enterprise Applications
This research directly impacts the development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for inspection, environmental monitoring, and defense. The soft, bio-inspired design enhances maneuverability and stealth, while the DE actuation offers energy efficiency for prolonged missions. Potential uses include pipeline inspection robots, marine research platforms, and deployable aquatic surveillance.
Peak Performance Achieved
8.6 Maximum Swimming Speed (mm/s)The Carangidae robot fish demonstrates efficient propulsion, achieving a maximum swimming speed of 8.6 mm/s. This performance is a direct result of the high electromechanical coupling efficiency of the dielectric elastomer actuators at an optimal driving frequency.
Dielectric Elastomer Actuation Process
Voltage Applied
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Maxwell Force Generation
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Thickness Decreases & Area Expands
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Internal Stress Reduction
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Bending Deformation of PET Substrate
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New Equilibrium & Structural Recovery
The core mechanism of the DE actuator involves applying an electric field, generating Maxwell stress that deforms the material. This process efficiently converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, enabling the precise, soft movements critical for bionic propulsion.
| Parameter | Optimal Configuration | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Frequency | 3 Hz (Optimal) | Maximizes propulsion efficiency by matching fin oscillation to fluid dynamics, achieving peak speed of 8.6 mm/s. |
| Connection Angle | 60 degrees | Enhances propulsive force transmission efficiency by creating a streamlined fin oscillation trajectory, resulting in 12% higher speed than 90-degree angle. |
| Voltage Amplitude | 4.5 kV | Increases DE in-plane strain by 7%, directly boosting fin swing amplitude and propulsion force. |
Careful calibration of driving frequency, connection angle, and voltage amplitude is crucial for maximizing the swimming efficiency of the bionic robot fish. These parameters directly influence the DE actuator's deformation and the subsequent hydrodynamic forces generated.
The Future of Soft Underwater Robotics
While current speeds are lower than natural fish, the potential for significant performance improvements is immense. Future work will focus on optimizing robot structures to reduce fluid resistance and leverage advancements in material science, sensing technology, and control algorithms. This will lead to more agile, energy-efficient, and environmentally adaptive underwater robots, unlocking new possibilities for exploration, surveillance, and industrial applications.
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