Analytical Modeling and Simulation of the Blocked Force and Large Deformation of Multifunctional Segmented Lithium Ion Battery Unimorph Actuator

A self-powered, and self-actuating lithium ion battery (LIB) has the potential to achieve large deformation while still maintaining actuation force. The energy storage capability allows for continual actuation without an external power source once charged. Reshaping the actuator requires a nonuniform distribution of charge and/or bending stiffness. Spatially varying the state of charge and bending stiffness along the length of a segmented unimorph configuration have the effect of improving the tailorability of the deformed actuator. In this paper, an analytical model is developed to predict the actuation properties of the segmented unimorph beam to determine its usefulness as an actuator. The model predicts the free deflection, blocked deflection, and blocked force at the tip as a function of spatially varying state of charge and bending stiffness. The main contribution of the paper is the development of blocked deflection over the length of the segmented unimorph, which has not yet been considered in the literature. The model is verified using experimental data and commercial finite element analysis.