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.
Steigenberger
J
J
Institut für Mathematik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Weimarer Strasse 25, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany. jstei@tu-ilmenau.de
D000818:Animals; D000845:Annelida / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods*; D001701:Bionics / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods