EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/V030833/1
Title: Extreme deformations of magneto- and electro-active membranes: A framework to model instabilities due to large multi-physics loads in thin structures
Principal Investigator: Saxena, Dr P
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Continuum Blue Ltd
Department: School of Engineering
Organisation: University of Glasgow
Scheme: New Investigator Award
Starts: 01 January 2022 Ends: 30 June 2025 Value (£): 335,748
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Complex fluids & soft solids Continuum Mechanics
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy Information Technologies
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
21 Apr 2021 EPSRC Physical Sciences 21 and 22 April 2021 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
When structures undergo large deformation, there is an abrupt change in their structural response at the instability (or bifurcation) point. Structural instability often leads to mechanical failure and hence has been traditionally avoided in engineering design based on materials such as concrete and metal. Soft elastomers, on the other hand, can undergo large reversible deformation without failure. The bifurcation or instability phenomenon in this case can be used to our advantage in the design of actuation and energy conversion mechanisms. Magneto-rheological elastomers (MREs) and electro-active polymers (EAPs) are new types of soft smart materials that can deform in the presence of electromagnetic fields and therefore devices made using them provide multi-control mechanisms. A key limiting factor in their industry adoption is a poor understanding of instability under extreme loads due to complex nonlinear multi-physics coupling.

In this project, we propose to develop an enhanced understanding of the instability phenomenon in thin electro-mechanical and magneto-mechanical structures and deliver a mathematical and computational framework to model this process. This will allow us to investigate and simulate extreme deformation in MRE and EAP membranes, thereby significantly improving the tools that inform engineering design of soft robotic actuators, sensors, deformable lenses, and wave energy generators.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.gla.ac.uk