A micromechanical-based model of stimulus responsive liquid crystal elastomers

Abstract

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Numerical Methods in Studies of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

“…In respect to their development, it should be noted that based on the recent researches, numerous fabrication methods for LCEs with controlled mesoscale structures in two and three dimensions have recently been implemented [135,136]. Owing to the potential of these fabrication techniques, there is a growing demand for simulation approaches that can accurately model LCEs physicochemical and mechanical behavior with the aim of approaching the desired design [53]. In this regard, it is expected that the role of mathematical modeling and numerical simulation studies in LCE design and development will be highlighted.…”

“…(10) a statistical definition of microstructure nature of liquid crystal elastomers was presented then a quantitative, physics-based micromechanical model was used [53] FEM (in house codes)…”

“…Recently, in a study conducted by Brighenti et al [53], a micromechanical-based model, focusing on the evolution of the LCE network chain distribution tensor, has been proposed. Through this study, firstly, a statistical definition of microstructure nature of liquid crystal elastomers was presented then a quantitative, physics-based micromechanical model was used to evaluate the mechanical reaction of LCE-based elements to thermal stimuli.…”

“…(1) studying the Quasi-soft opto-mechanical behavior of a two dimensional (2D) rectangular beam using commercial software, ABAQUS [34] (2) studying the appearance of sub-stripe patterns in sheets of nematic elastomers using COMSOL Multiphysics [37] (3) simulating cooling and stretching experiments to investigate the transitional behavior of nematic elastomers using COMSOL Multiphysics [38] (4) bridging the gap between elastomer physics and device engineering and design in LCE-NTs using ANSYS [41] (5) accurate modeling of non-uniform deformation and instability of a constrained LCE beam, used as a microfluidic valves, in addition to studying a nanoscale poly styrene (PS) film laminated piece of LCE using ABAQUS [25] (6) simulating peristaltic crawling locomotion of earthworms using COMSOL Multiphysics [43] (7) simulating the domain evolution of a square LCE sample clamped on one side and free on all other three sides, performed using FEAP software [24] (8) wrinkling behavior in sheets of stretched nematic elastomer using ABAQUS [45] (9) elastodynamics simulations on dual-phase elastic solids using SALOME [52] (10) evaluation of mechanical reaction of LCE based elements to thermal stimuli using FEM software [53] FEM (in house codes)…”

Liquid-crystalline ferroferric oxide nanocomposites: self-assembly and magnetorheological effects

“…5 The external stimuli including heat, light, pH, and mechanical, electric and magnetic fields can be used to control the orientation of mesogens or reversible deformation. [6][7][8] Compared to the use of the electric fields that are limited by the geometry of the electrodes, an advantage of the magnetic field is that it can be applied without any contact and in any direction. A magnetic field can pass through most magnetic materials, and therefore magnetic field-stimulus-responsive materials are widely considered to have the potential to be utilized in some specific space fields due to the competitive responsive performances, self-assembling properties and easy magnetic manipulation.…”