On the dynamic characteristics of biological inspired multicellular fluidic flexible matrix composite structures

The objective of this research is to explore the dynamic characteristics of a multicellular fluidic flexible matrix composite (F2MC) structure. F2MC is a novel composite idea inspired by the fibrillar organizations of plant cell walls. Previous work on F2MC has mostly focused on single cell studies and on its static or quasi-static characteristics. The F2MC dynamic characteristics with interaction between cells through a flow circuit have not yet been investigated. When under external load, a network of F2MC cells with different fiber angles will generate pressure gradient and induce internal fluid flows. Therefore, the working fluids and flow port can be selected/designed for new types of functionality. An analytical model, incorporating the flow port characteristics with the cell structural dynamics, is developed and analyzed. Experimental investigations are also performed. It is shown that a dual F2MC cellular structure can be used as a vibration absorber and as an enhanced actuator with higher actuation authority compared to a single F2MC cell in a designated frequency band. These features are studied in correlation to the various system parameters, such as the fiber composite parameters, flow port parameters, and working fluid effective bulk modulus.

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