Papers by Keyword: Contraction Force

Abstract: This research was conducted to analyze the thrust performance generated from a two dimensional contractile water jet thruster (CWJT). The main aim of this research is to investigate the relation and reaction between the input parameters of the contractile water jet thruster. The major parameter of this study is the actuating force as the input and the thrust force as the output. In addition to these parameters, nozzle area and fluid velocity influence were also considered in the investigation. Two pneumatic cylinders were applied to actuate the contraction. Thrust force was measured by both experimentally and theoretically. Generally the increment of the contraction force increases the thrust force. However, generated thrust at different contraction force depends on the size of the nozzle.

Abstract: The fluidic muscle cylinder consists of an air bellows tube, flanges and lock nuts. Its features are softness of material and motion, simplicity of structure, low production cost and high power efficiency. Recently, unlike the pneumatic cylinder, the fluidic muscle cylinder without air leakage, stick slip, friction or seals was developed as a new concept actuator. It has characteristics such as light weight, low price, high response, durable design, long life, high power and high contraction. In this study, we carried out finite element modeling and analysis on the main design variables such as contraction ratio and force, and diameter increment of the fluidic muscle cylinder. On the basis of finite element analysis, the prototype fluidic muscle cylinder was fabricated and tested. Finally, we compared the test results with the finite element analysis.