Polymer packaging for arrayed ionic polymer-metal composites and its application to micro air vehicle control surface

In this study, ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators arrayed in horizontal as well as vertical directions were investigated for more effective actuation performance. A very thin polymer packaging structure named 'glove' was designed and fabricated, and the IPMC package, composed of the glove and the arrayed IPMCs, was applied to the multifunctional control surface of a micro air vehicle (MAV). The IPMC package is light and space-saving, and therefore appropriate for the application of a MAV which has a limitation in weight and size. A wind tunnel test was performed to demonstrate the capability of the IPMC package for the control surface of a MAV and it was confirmed that the package generates enough force to maneuver a MAV.