Finite element modeling of blocking force of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) in micro gripper

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are emerging class of electro active polymers (EAP) that are used as sensors and actuators. As an actuator, it can be used for supporting micro tools in different biomedical applications. Finite element analysis (FEA) of IPMC's actuators is an ideal candidate for researchers. This paper represents a comsol multi-physics model to simulate blocking force of micro gripper fingers. In comsol Multi-Physics Model, the Structural Mechanics module, Electric Current module, Transport of Diluted Species module and General Form PDE module are used to simulate the IPMC micro gripper finger. Electric current module used to apply potential difference across electrodes. Transports of Diluted Species module explain the deflection due to transport of ions on applied voltage. Multi-Physics Finite Element tool is used to get reaction force (blocking force) for different potential differences and different parameters of gripper finger. The experimental and simulated results show that our model is more effective in simulation and analyses of micro gripper.