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Actuators
Special Issues
Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications
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Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2018) | Viewed by 47721

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ramin Sedaghati

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
Interests: smart materials; adaptive structures; magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) and magnetorheological elastomers; MRE- and MRF-based structures and systems; adaptive vibration absorbers and isolators; smart composite and sandwich structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multifunctional materials, such as piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys, electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) materials, and magnetostrictive materials, have received growing interest in the development of advanced actuators for motion control and, semi-active and active vibration and noise control applications. The purpose of this Special Issue is to invite the state-of-the art review and original contributions in this emerging technology. Contributions related to modeling and analysis, design optimization, experimental characterization, and control of actuators featuring smart materials, are especially encouraged. This Special Issue is also interested in contributions addressing the application of smart actuators for adaptive positioning, noise and vibration control applications.

Prof. Dr. Ramin Sedaghati
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Smart actuators
  • Piezoelectric actuators
  • Shape memory actuators
  • Electrorheological and magnetorheological (MR) based devices
  • Magnetostrictive actuators
  • Electroactive actuators
  • Modeling
  • Design optimization
  • Control
  • Motion and position control
  • Semi-active and active noise and vibration control

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Effect of Optimal Placement of Permanent Magnets on the Electromagnetic Force in the Horizontal Direction
by Yasuaki Ito, Yoshiho Oda, Takayoshi Narita and Hideaki Kato
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030054 - 29 Aug 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5462
Abstract
The surface quality of steel plates is deteriorated as they contact rollers while being conveyed during manufacturing processes. To solve this problem, we previously proposed a hybrid electromagnetic levitation system comprising electromagnets, permanent magnets, and a horizontal positioning control system for steel plates. [...] Read more.
The surface quality of steel plates is deteriorated as they contact rollers while being conveyed during manufacturing processes. To solve this problem, we previously proposed a hybrid electromagnetic levitation system comprising electromagnets, permanent magnets, and a horizontal positioning control system for steel plates. Moreover, to increase stability, we proposed integrating these levitation systems. In this study, we aim to determine the optimal placement of permanent magnets in the levitation system to suppress the deflection of a levitated steel plate for cases where the magnetic field in the horizontal direction changes. Using a genetic algorithm, the optimal gap, number, and placement of permanent magnets in the system are obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 2601 KiB  
Article
Dielectric Electroactive Polymers with Chemical Pre-Strain: An Experimentally Validated Model
by Brittany Newell, Jose Garcia and Gary Krutz
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030050 - 22 Aug 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5990
Abstract
Dielectric electroactive polymer materials represent a distinct group of smart materials that are capable of converting between electrical and mechanical energy. This research focuses on the modeling and testing of an industrial grade fluoropolymer material for its feasibility as a dielectric elastomer electroactive [...] Read more.
Dielectric electroactive polymer materials represent a distinct group of smart materials that are capable of converting between electrical and mechanical energy. This research focuses on the modeling and testing of an industrial grade fluoropolymer material for its feasibility as a dielectric elastomer electroactive polymer. Through this process, a novel chemical pre-strain method was tested, along with a one-step process for application of pre-strain and addition of an elastomer conductive layer. Modeled and experimental actuators produced approximately 1 mm displacements with 0.625 W of electrical power. The displacement of the actuators was characterized, and the effects of multiple parameters were modeled and analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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8 pages, 1966 KiB  
Article
A Fundamental Consideration of Active Noise Control System by Small Actuator for Ultra-Compact EV
by Taro Kato, Ryosuke Suzuki, Rina Miyao, Hideaki Kato and Takayoshi Narita
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030049 - 16 Aug 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5658
Abstract
The ultra-compact electric vehicle has recently experienced increasing popularity for short-distance travel. However, one of the issues with ultra-compact electric vehicles is that although the engine is silent, exterior road and wind noise have a significant impact on the occupant’s comfort in the [...] Read more.
The ultra-compact electric vehicle has recently experienced increasing popularity for short-distance travel. However, one of the issues with ultra-compact electric vehicles is that although the engine is silent, exterior road and wind noise have a significant impact on the occupant’s comfort in the interior space. We propose an ANC system whereby a kind of small actuator is installed on the roof of an ultra-compact electric vehicle. In this paper, we consider the noise control effects of using a giant magnetostrictive actuator and conduct an experimental study on feed-forward and feedback control systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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11 pages, 3706 KiB  
Article
Noncontact Guide System for Traveling Continuous Steel Plate Using Electromagnet and Supplement of Permanent Magnets for Suppressing Vibration
by Takahiko Bessho, Sora Ishihara, Yasuhiro Narawa, Ryo Yamaguti, Takayoshi Narita and Hideaki Kato
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030047 - 13 Aug 2018
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5510
Abstract
In a plating process, the steel plate is conveyed 20–50 m in the vertical direction for drying, during which it is negligibly supported by rollers and other mechanisms. This produces plating without uniformity owing to the generation of vibration and other factors, which [...] Read more.
In a plating process, the steel plate is conveyed 20–50 m in the vertical direction for drying, during which it is negligibly supported by rollers and other mechanisms. This produces plating without uniformity owing to the generation of vibration and other factors, which prevent the increase in productivity. We have developed a noncontact guide system for a high-speed traveling elastic steel plate in which electromagnetic forces are applied by actuators at the edges of the plate to control the plate’s position. In this study, we investigated the vibration phenomenon when changing the steady current value of the electromagnet used for controlling the position. In addition, we conducted mode analysis of the steel plate to enable stable control even at low steady current values and verified whether stable guide can be provided by using it together with a permanent magnet. As a result, by arranging the permanent magnets, stable guidance was possible even at a low steady current value. In addition, it became clear that vibration damping performance is also improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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10 pages, 4097 KiB  
Article
Driving Assist System for Ultra-Compact EVs―Fundamental Consideration of Muscle Burden Owing to Differences in the Drivers’ Physiques
by Xiaojun Liu, Daigo Uchino, Keigo Ikeda, Ayato Endo, Mohamad Heerwan Bin Peeie, Takayoshi Narita and Hideaki Kato
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030044 - 27 Jul 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5699
Abstract
With recent advances in technologies such as those of semiconductors and actuators, easy-to-control compact actuators have been actively applied in various fields such as factory automation and precision machining. In the automobile industry, major manufacturers and venture companies are also concentrating on electric [...] Read more.
With recent advances in technologies such as those of semiconductors and actuators, easy-to-control compact actuators have been actively applied in various fields such as factory automation and precision machining. In the automobile industry, major manufacturers and venture companies are also concentrating on electric vehicle development. Ultra-compact mobility vehicles, which exhibit an excellent environmental performance and are highly convenient for short-distance movement, are becoming popular. However, owing to cabin space limitations, it is difficult to mount systems such as power steering for assisting steering operations, and such systems are currently not installed in most ultra-compact mobility vehicles. Our research group focused on a steer-by-wire system that does not require a physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Using this system, the steering wheel can be installed without any constraints, and the cabin layout can be easily changed. The reaction torque applied to the steering wheel can be expected to provide an optimum steering feel to each driver by controlling the reaction-force-generating actuator output. Drivers with different heights and arm lengths were then grouped, and arm model calculation and electromyogram measurements obtained during steering operations were used to examine the muscle burden experienced during driving owing to differences in the drivers’ physiques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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10 pages, 3398 KiB  
Article
Electromagnetic Levitation Control for Bending Flexible Steel Plate: Experimental Consideration on Disturbance Cancellation Control
by Kazuki Ogawa, Makoto Tada, Takayoshi Narita and Hideaki Kato
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030043 - 27 Jul 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5313
Abstract
When an ultrathin and flexible steel plate is to be levitated, levitation control becomes difficult because the ultrathin steel plate undergoes increased flexure. We herein propose a levitation method for an ultrathin steel plate that is bent to an extent that does not [...] Read more.
When an ultrathin and flexible steel plate is to be levitated, levitation control becomes difficult because the ultrathin steel plate undergoes increased flexure. We herein propose a levitation method for an ultrathin steel plate that is bent to an extent that does not induce plastic deformation. In this study, to investigate the levitation stability of an ultrathin steel plate, we applied disturbance cancellation control in the bending levitation system. The object of electromagnetic levitation was a rectangular zinc-coated ultrathin steel plate (SS400) of length 800 mm, 600 mm, and thickness 0.19 mm. The vibrator was attached below the three frames, in which the electromagnet unit was installed so that the frames could be vibrated up and down. We conducted experiments on the levitation performance when the electromagnet was displaced by the frame vibration in the bending levitation system. The results showed that a stable levitation can be achieved even with an input of external disturbance when levitating at the optimum bending angle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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13 pages, 6656 KiB  
Article
Ride Comfort Control System Considering Physiological and Psychological Characteristics: Effect of Masking on Vertical Vibration on Passengers
by Keigo Ikeda, Ayato Endo, Ryosuke Minowa, Takayoshi Narita and Hideaki Kato
Actuators 2018, 7(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030042 - 23 Jul 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5788
Abstract
Active seat suspension has been proposed to improve ride comfort for ultra-compact mobility. Regarding the ride comfort of passengers due to vertical vibration, the authors have confirmed from biometry measurements that reduction of the vibration acceleration does not always produce the best ride [...] Read more.
Active seat suspension has been proposed to improve ride comfort for ultra-compact mobility. Regarding the ride comfort of passengers due to vertical vibration, the authors have confirmed from biometry measurements that reduction of the vibration acceleration does not always produce the best ride comfort for passengers. Therefore, heart rate variability that can quantitatively reflect stress is measured in real time, and a control method was proposed that feeds back to active suspension and confirms its effectiveness by fundamental verification. In this paper, we will confirm the influence of the vibration stress on the psychological state of the occupant by the masking method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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10 pages, 3189 KiB  
Article
A V-Shaped Actuator Utilizing Electrostatic Force
by Kahye Song, Hyeongyu Lee and Youngsu Cha
Actuators 2018, 7(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/act7020030 - 18 Jun 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6349
Abstract
In this study, we propose a new ‘V’-shaped actuator with two panels and experimentally and theoretically investigate its actuation to find the most efficient structure. The V-shaped actuator operates like a seesaw. Specifically, when a high voltage input is applied between the V-shaped [...] Read more.
In this study, we propose a new ‘V’-shaped actuator with two panels and experimentally and theoretically investigate its actuation to find the most efficient structure. The V-shaped actuator operates like a seesaw. Specifically, when a high voltage input is applied between the V-shaped actuator and metal plate at the bottom substrate, another panel rises due to electrostatic attraction. Both gravity and electrostatic attraction forces are utilized for the operation of the actuator. We made a model of the actuation mechanism considering torque, gravity, and electrostatic forces. Theoretical values were compared with experimental results considering all factors of force applied to actuators. Additionally, we added torque by restoring force to compensate for the experimental conditions. The theoretical value almost coincided with the experimental value with R2 = 0.9. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling Smart Actuators and Their Applications)
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