On Pressure-Actuated Cellular Structures

Abstract

The herein presented investigations address the implementation of a holistic design process for Pressure-Actuated Cellular Structures (PACS) and include their realization and characterization. Similar to the motion of nastic plants, the actuation principle of these biologically inspired shape-variable structures bases on the controlled expansion of pressurized volumes. The advantages of fluidic actuation are combined with an adaptive single-curved structure that deforms continuously and with controllable stiffness between predefined states of shape. Benfits from the utilization of such a structure are expected within the fields of aeronautical, automobile, power and civil engineering. The identification of open issues, the development and the validation of design methods, as well as the evaluation of the performance of the concept of PACS are realized in consideration of the global system. A holistic solution for the design of PACS is successfully implemented and allows for the profound investigation on an experimental basis. The foundation for the evaluation and utilization of such shape-variable structures is thus laid.