Session T28: Focus Session: Shells, Plates, and Thin Films
8:00 AM–10:48 AM, Thursday, March 21, 2013
Room: 336
Sponsoring Unit:
GSNP
Chair: Katia Bertoldi, Harvard University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2013.MAR.T28.11
Abstract: T28.00011 : Auto-origami with liquid crystal elastomers: a simulation study
10:24 AM–10:36 AM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Andrew Konya
(Kent State University)
Robin Selinger
(Kent State University)
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) undergo shape transformations induced by stimuli such as heating/cooling or illumination. When a non-uniform director field is imposed on a sample during crosslinking, it encodes a complex actuation trajectory which may include a combination of bends, twists, and folds along with changes in Gaussian curvature. Taking a materials-by-design approach, we perform finite element simulations to explore director geometries which produce such auto-origami behavior. By cataloging and assembling a variety of basic motifs including those identified by Modes and Warner [1], we design director geometries that yield a variety of target structures. Assembling a sample with domains of two LCE materials with different isotropic-nematic transition temperatures provides a means for sequencing steps in the resulting actuation choreography on heating/cooling. [1] CD Modes and M Warner, Phys. Rev. E84, 021711 (2011)
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2013.MAR.T28.11