Bio-inspired 3D printed locomotion devices based on anisotropic friction
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Anisotropic friction plays a key role in natural systems, particularly for realizing the purpose of locomotion and strong attachment for the survival of organisms. Of particular interest, here, is the observation that friction anisotropy is promoted numerous times by nature, for example, by wild wheat awn for its targeted and successful seed anchorage and dispersal. Such feature is, however, not fully exploited in man‐made systems, such as microbots, due to technical limitations and lack of full understanding of the mechanisms. To unravel the complex dynamics occurring in the sliding interaction between anisotropic microstructured surfaces, the friction induced by asymmetric plant microstructures is first systematically investigated. Inspired by this, anisotropic polymer microactuators with three‐dimensional (3D) printed microrelieves are then prepared. By varying geometric parameters, the capability of microactuators to generate strong friction anisotropy and controllable motion in remotely stretched cylindrical tubes is investigated. Advanced theoretical models are proposed to understand and predict the dynamic behavior of these synthetic systems and to shed light on the parameters and mechanisms governing their behavior. Finally, a microbot prototype is developed and cargo transportation functions are successfully realized. This research provides both in‐depth understanding of anisotropic friction in nature and new avenues for developing intelligent actuators and microbots.
Date Issued
2019-01-04
Date Acceptance
2018-10-22
Citation
Small, 2019, 15 (1), pp.1802931-1802931
ISSN
1613-6810
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
1802931
End Page
1802931
Journal / Book Title
Small
Volume
15
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2018 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article, which has been published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smll.201802931
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/N025954/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry, Physical
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Physics, Applied
Physics, Condensed Matter
Chemistry
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Materials Science
Physics
anisotropic friction
bioinspired
locomotion
microbots
wheat awn
SLOW DYNAMICS
DRY ADHESIVE
MECHANICS
SCALE
WATER
SOFT
MD Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-11-16