Contribution to the mechanics of worm-like motion systems and artificial muscles

In this paper the author presents a mathematical model of a device that can be seen as a segment of an artificial worm (following the paradigm “earthworm”) and as an artificial muscle as well. Confining considerations to statics, the model shows up as an ordinary parameter-dependent boundary value problem. It is tackled numerically in various particular forms by means of Maple and thus gives a good view of the segment's behavior during inflation and under longitudinal load. Segments of maximal volume present a useful preliminary stage of the investigations.