Article

Elastomeric tubes with self-regulated distension

Public Deposited
https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/articles/9019s411z
Abstract
  • Compliant elastomer tubing with a fabric “jacket” has been essential in various applications as soft robotic actuators, such as in biomedical exomuscles and massage therapy implements. Here, our study shows that a similar design concept can be an effective strategy in realizing passive regulation in the tube’s distension, as well as in preventing aneurysm-like asymmetric rupture of the tube. A custom hydraulic pressure testing rig was built to perform experiments. The jacketed tubes initially deform rapidly as pressure increases, but a self-regulation behavior suppresses the tube’s continued distension by strain-stiffening of the “jacket”. In addition, highly asymmetric distension, common to elastomeric tubes due to imperfection in fabrication, is prevented dramatically by the “jacket”. A three-dimensional finite element model predicts the distension of all tested tubes quantitatively across the entire experimental pressure ranges and beyond. Incorporating custom-designed kirigami relief patterns in the “jackets” expands the potential of the elastomeric tubes.

Creator
Date Issued
  • 2022
Academic Affiliation
Journal Title
Journal Issue/Number
  • 6
Journal Volume
  • 25
Last Modified
  • 2024-12-07
Resource Type
Rights Statement
License
DOI
ISSN
  • 2589-0042
Language

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