Mechano-Chemo-Electrical Finite Element Modelling of the Sensing Behaviour of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites

Abstract

Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) is an electro-active polymer (EAP) that generates electrical charges when it is mechanically deformed. In this study, a fullycoupled mechano-chemo-electrical finite element model is developed to predict the velocity sensing behaviour in IPMC. The electro-chemical component is modelled based on the Nernst-Planck and Poisson's equations. The chemo-mechanical coupling arises from the change in the concentration of ions upon deforming the sensor. An experimental study is performed to validate the numerical model. The results are shown to be in good agreement with the model predictions.