Quantitative understanding of mechanical actuation of intricate Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) actuators is technically required in control system design for effective real-time implementation.This paper presents mathematical modeling of the PAM driven by hydrogen-gas pressure due to absorption and desorption of metal hydride.Empirical models of both mechanical actuation of industrial PAM and chemical reaction of the metal hydride-LaNi5 are derived systematically where their interactions comply with the continuity principle and energy balance in describing actual dynamic behaviors of the PAM actuator (PAM and hydriding/dehydriding-reaction bed).Simulation studies of mechanical actuation under various loads are conducted so as to present dynamic responses of the PAM actuators.From the promising results,it is intriguing that the heat input for the PAM actuator can be supplied to,or pumped from the reaction bed,in such a way that absorption and desorption of hydrogen gas take place,respectively,in controlling the pressure of hydrogen gas within the PAM actuator.Accordingly,this manipulation results in desired mechanical actuation of the PAM actuator in practical uses.
展开▼
