ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS

[INVESTIGATIONS IN ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS][KYLE MEEKS+ JONAH AUHOY]

Texas Tech University_College of Architecture_Prof Maria Perbellini_ARCH 5334 Advanced Contructions/Smart Materials_F11

TTU CoA F10 SMART MATERIALS COURSE Syllabus ARCH5301 ARCH 5334

Course Blog: http://ddfsmartmaterialsf10.blogspot.com/The blog is a vital element of the course. Here are posted all the assignments, readings,links, dialogues, data-base in progress, daily research, contacts, and student work updates.

Course DescriptionThe course on Smart Materials and their applications in Building Envelopes will engage students in research and study of material processes, fabrication strategies, and will explore the potentials for innovation in building components and their assemblies.

A fi rst phase of the course is dedicated to the analysis of emergent materials implied in several fi elds, as Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Fashion Design, Material Sciences, Nanotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, etc. Smart materials will be defi ned and classifi ed in different types accordingly to their characteristics, properties and behaviors. They will be organized considering their components and increasingly complex sys-tems. All the information will contribute to compile the body of the College of Architecture’s Materials Labora-tory.

A second phase will focus on engineering and scientifi c applications of smart materials and their use as smart products, and on their effects on the energy environments and building systems. The defi nition of classes of smart materials will be linked to the exploration of their effects, and actions, but also to the changes and im-provements of manufacturing technologies. What is today available and usable to the designer? What can we do with materials like extreme textiles, or with latest polymer and fi ber composites? Students will be given a hands-on experience on material processes and design solutions related to high performance building skins. Case studies will explore the design of façade assemblies through contemporary manufacturing methodologies and with regard to the novelty of materials of various cladding systems. Students are encouraged to support and integrate design and building systems solutions that are applied in their studio classes.

Featured NAAB Student Performance Criteria 2009 for ARCH 5334:A.4. Technical Documentation: Ability to make technically clear drawings, write outline specifi cations, and pre-pare models illustrating and identifying the assembly of materials, systems, and components appropriate for a building design.

B. 10. Building Envelope Systems: Understanding of the basic principles involved in the appropriate applica-tion of building envelope systems and associated assemblies relative to fundamental performance, aesthetics, moisture transfer, durability, and energy and material resources.

Student Learning OutcomesUpon completion of this course students will be able to model, draw, and write specifi cations on building sys-tems and their components, with a specifi c focus on smart materials applied in innovative and advanced archi-tectural design solutions that integrate the following criteria: - Technology.. the course will explore the potentials for innovation in building components and their assemblies. Building systems, high performance building envelopes. - Material processes, Novel properties of materials, exploration of their characteristics, effects, behaviors and actions. - Fabrication. exploration of façade assemblies through contemporary manufacturing methodologies and fabrication strategies.

INDEXRESEARCH: PAGES: +POLYMERS 01-05 +HYPOTHESIS 06 +CASE STUDY 07-08

PRECEDENTS: +APPLICATIONS 09-12

EXPERIMENTATION: +EXPLORATIONS: 1.0 14 2.1-2.3 15-16 3.1-3.2 17-18 4.1-4.2 19-20 5.1-5.2 21-22

+STUDY 23-24

+PROTOTYPING 25

+GRASSHOPPER 28

+MATERIALS 29

+RESOURCES 30

There are a number of types of smart material, some of which are already common.

Some examples are as following:Piezoelectric materials are materials that produce a voltage when stress is applied. Since this effect also applies in the reverse manner, a voltage across the sample will produce stress within the sample. Suit-ably designed structures made from these materials can therefore be made that bend, expand or contract when a voltage is applied.Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers are materials in which large deformation can be induced and recovered through temperature changes or stress changes (pseudoelasticity). The large deformation results due to martensitic phase change.Magnetostrictive materials exhibit change in shape under the infl uence of magnetic fi eld and also ex-hibit change in their magnetization under the infl uence of mechanical stress.Magnetic shape memory alloys are materials that change their shape in response to a signifi cant change in the magnetic fi eld.pH-sensitive polymers are materials that change in volume when the pH of the surrounding medium changes.Temperature-responsive polymers are materials which undergo changes upon temperature.Halochromic materials are commonly used materials that change their colour as a result of changing acidity. One suggested application is for paints that can change colour to indicate corrosion in the metal underneath them.Chromogenic systems change colour in response to electrical, optical or thermal changes. These in-clude electrochromic materials, which change their colour or opacity on the application of a voltage (e.g. liquid crystal displays), thermochromic materials change in colour depending on their temperature, and pho-tochromic materials, which change colour in response to light—for example, light sensitive sunglasses that darken when exposed to bright sunlight.Photomechanical materials change shape under exposure to light.Self-healing materials have the intrinsic ability to repair damage due to normal usage, thus expanding the material’s lifetimeDielectric elastomers (DEs) are smart material systems which produce large strains (up to 300%) under the infl uence of an external electric fi eld.Magnetocaloric materials are compounds that undergo a reversible change in temperature upon expo-sure to a changing magnetic fi eld.Thermoelectric materials are used to build devices that convert temperature differences into electricity and vice-versa.

POLYMER RESEARCH

[ ]Smart materials or designed materials are materials that have one or more properties that can be signifi cantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fi elds.

Polymers are substances whose molecules have high molar masses and are composed of a large number of repeating units. There are both naturally occurring and synthetic poly-mers. Among naturally occurring polymers are proteins, starches, cellulose, and latex. Syn-thetic polymers are produced commercially on a very large scale and have a wide range of properties and uses. The materials commonly called plastics are all synthetic polymers.

Research into the material class of polymers was chosen as a fundamen-tal element into which additional study would be conducted to implement Smart Material applications and uses.

Applications of Polymers:Agriculture and AgribusinessPolymeric materials are used in and on soil to improve aeration, provide mulch, and pro-mote plant growth and health.MedicineMany biomaterials, especially heart valve replacements and blood vessels, are made of polymers like Dacron, Tefl on and polyure-thane.Consumer SciencePlastic containers of all shapes and sizes are light weight and economically less expensive than the more traditional containers. Cloth-ing, fl oor coverings, garbage disposal bags, and packaging are other polymer applica-tions.IndustryAutomobile parts, windshields for fi ghter planes, pipes, tanks, packing materials, insulation, wood substitutes, adhesives, matrix for composites, and elastomers are all polymer applications used in the industrial market.SportsPlayground equipment, various balls, golf clubs, swimming pools, and protective hel-mets are often produced from polymers.

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PLASTICS

ETFE

A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-syn-thetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial prod-ucts. Plastics are typically poly-mers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs.

Ethylene tetrafl uoroethylene, ETFE, a fl uorine based plastic, was designed to have high corro-sion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. ETFE is a polymer, and its systematic name is poly(ethylene-co-tetrafl u-oroethylene).

ETFE has a very high melting temperature, excellent chemical, electrical and high energy radiation resistance properties.

Table of properties:http://fl uorotherm.com/Properties-ETFE.asp

CARBON FIBER

PVC

The fi ber also fi nds use in fi ltration of high-temperature gases, as an electrode with high surface area and impeccable corrosion resistance, and as an anti-static component. Molding a thin layer of carbon fi bers signifi cantly improves fi re resistance of polymers or thermoset com-posites because a dense, compact layer of carbon fi bers effi ciently refl ects heat

Carbon-fi ber-reinforced polymer or carbon-fi ber-reinforced plastic (CFRP or CRP), is a very strong and light fi ber-reinforced polymer which contains carbon fi bers. The polymer is most often epoxy, but other polymers, such as polyester, vinyl ester or nylon, are sometimes used.

Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbrevi-ated PVC, is a thermoplastic polymer. PVC is widely used in construction because it is cheap, durable, and easy to assemble.

POLYMER MATERIALITY

SILICONE

Silicones are inert, synthetic com-pounds with a variety of forms and uses. Silicones are polymers that include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements.

+Good electrical insula-tion. Because silicone can be formulated to be electrically insulative or conductive, it is suitable for a wide range of elec-trical applications.+Thermal stability (con-stancy of properties over a wide operating range of −100 to 250 °C).+Though not a hydro-phobe, the ability to repel water and form watertight seals.+Excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone and UV light (sunlight). This has led to widespread use in the construction industry (e.g. coatings, fi re pro-tection, glazing seals),

and automotive industry (external gaskets, exter-nal trim).+Does not stick.+Low chemical reactivity.+Low toxicity, but does not support microbiologi-cal growth.+High gas permeability: at room temperature (25 °C) the permeability of silicone rubber for gases like oxygen is approxi-mately 400 times[citation needed] that of butyl rubber, making silicone useful for medical appli-cations that could benefi t from increased aeration. Silicone rubbers cannot be used where gas-tight seals are necessary.

NYLON

Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides It is made of repeating units linked by amide bonds.

+Durability: its high tenacity fi bers are used for seatbelts, tire cords, ballistic cloth and other uses.+High elongation+Excellent abrasion resistance+Highly resilient (nylon fabrics are heat-set)+Paved the way for easy-care gar-ments+High resistance to insects, fungi, animals, as well as molds, mildew, rot and many chemicals+Used in carpets and nylon stock-ings+Melts instead of burning+Used in many military applications+Good specifi c strength+Transparent under infrared light (-12dB)[3

[ ]Delving deeper into polymers, research was conducted into some of the different types of polymers and some applications of those sub-categories.

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Conductive polymers or, more precisely, intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) are organic polymers that conduct electricity

Electroluminescence is light emission stimulated by electrical current. While electro-luminescence was originally mostly of academic interest, the increased conductivity of modern conductive polymers means enough power can be put through the device at low voltages to generate practical amounts of light. This property has led to the development of fl at panel displays using organic LEDs, solar panels, and optical amplifi ers.

SMART POLYMERS:

EAP offers a new relationship to built space through its unique combination of qualities. It is an ultra-lightweight, fl exible material with the ability to change shape without the need for mechanical actuators.

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to their original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus (trigger),

SMPs can retain two or sometimes three shapes, and the transition between those is induced by temperature. In addition to temperature change, the shape change of SMPs can also be triggered by an electric or magnetic fi eld,lightor solution.As well as polymers in general, SMPs also cover a wide property-range from stable to biodegradable, from soft to hard, and from elastic to rigid, depending on the structural units that constitute the SMP. SMPs include thermoplastic and thermoset (covalently cross-linked) polymeric materials. SMPs are known to be able to store up to three different shapes in memory.

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HYPOTHESIS:

The inclusion of smart polymers with the capability of luminescence and actuation within an architectural construct can begin to inform upon an entire new dialogue and paradigm shift within the profession. Smart materials in a broad sense are still in the early stages of development but recent explorations show that these smart polymer materials have major implications of how emergent and boimimetic archi-tecture will evolve within the next century.

The skin of a building can no longer be bound by the static and unemotional no-tions of the past but instead live, breathe, and interact with the environment and conditions around them. The idea of a “deep skin” is realized with these polymers in a sense that the facade can, in a metaphorical way, almost mimic the skin of a jellyfi sh: a single cohesive membrane that offers protection, yet moves, at times offers light, instinctive interaction, and all within a singular exterior covering.

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SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ZURICH/ CAAD

http://vimeo.com/15247128

ShapeShift is an experiment in future possibilities of architectural materi-alization. This project explores the potential application of electro-activepolymer (EAP) at an architectural scale.EAP offers a new relationship to built space through its unique combi-nation of qualities. It is an ultra-light-weight, fl exible material with the ability to change shape without the need for mechanical actuators.As a collaboration between the chair for Computer Aided Architectural Design (ETHZ) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), ShapeShift bridges gaps between advanced tech-niques in architectural design/fabrica-tion and material science as well as pushing academic research towards real world applications.

SHAPE SHIFT: CASE STUDY[ ]

The supporting frames are lasercut from 1.5 mm acrylic. This material provides enough fl exibility to form an appealing shape when the polymer is applied. In order to transport the high voltage through the EAP material carbon black powderis spread on both sides of the component. To increase the life span of the dynamic components and insulate the electronically charged material it is coated with a thin layer of silicon. The electric power comes from high voltage converters that increase the necessary 5 V to 5.000 V.

VHB 4910 (3M)[ ]

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From the research conducted into the ShapeShift case study, the appro-priate conductive polymer fi lm would be a fi lm made by 3M, however it only comes in very thin strips.

Eletroluminescent polymers can be seamlessly integrated into architectural applications for interactive and informative based applications. These type of applications can be highly en-ergy effi cient and can be an effective solution to plasma or LED based visual installations.

Created using a state of the art electrolumi-nescent display system designed by Troika, ‘All the Time in the World’ extends the conven-tional notion of a world clock, which commonly concentrates on capital cities in different time zones, by linking real time to places with excit-ing and romantic associations like far-away places, exotic wonders and forgotten cultures.

The system uses electroluminescent ink, silk-screened onto fl exible, transparent acetate and are displayed behind a deep-blue glass wall. Troika’s ‘Firefl y’ type is divided up i nto segments, each individually addressable and able to display up to 5 different typefaces. The visible, glowing circuit is fi nished with the letters being animated by switching on these segments as if they were being hand-drawn by an invisible hand. The result is an unique visual aesthetic developed from the technical challenges as well as the creative process. The typeface is built out of 67 circuits for each letter. The letters appear by switching on dif-ferent combinations of the segments within a cell. This technology can be expanded upon in complexity allowing for even more intricate typefaces, however also needing ever more complex driving technology.

http://troika.uk.com/allthetimeintheworld?image=0

ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD INSTALLATION LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORTARCHITECT:TROIKA

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APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROLUMINESCENSE

Material Animation is a kinetic light installation made from lasercut electro-luminescent (EL) foils which senses location, number and velocity of human occupants and responds through a muli-tude of wirelessly networked components to encourage further interaction with the environment.

The experiment is situated in three rooms of an idle emergency bunker be-low ETH Zürich’s Science City campus. Each room refl ects a different theme and approach to physically animate the dis-tinctive material properties at an architec-tural scale. Electroluminescent foils are extremely thin, fl exible and lightweight screens which emit a homogeneous cold light across their surface without the need for additional infrastructure.

The project was realized within 3 1/2 weeks by the 2010/11 MAS class at the chair for CAAD, ETH Zürich, supervised and tutored by Manuel Kretzer and Ruairi Glynn and supported through Lumitec AG and Ulano Corp. It merges advanced techniques in para-metric design, digital fabrication, physi-cal computing, electronics and material science with theories and computational approaches to machine intelligence and sets them into a real world context.

http://www.caad.arch.ethz.ch/Events/Materialanimation

MATERIAL ANIMATIONZURICHETH CAAD

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In contrast to the conventional me-chanical movements of doors and hoods, involving frames and hinges, openings in the SRC are boneless and hinge-less (or better, giant living hing-es). The ‘doors’ are slabs of synthetic skin, triggered by tendon-like actuators which respond to the pheromonal sig-nature of the car’s owner. When they open, they quiver and curl, exhibiting behaviors which could not possibly involve sheet metal and hardware.

The doors of the car are precedent for what an artifi cial, seamless actuated lever mechanism can achieve with the presence of electroactive polymers act-ing as artifi cial muscle contracting and morphing.

APPLICATIONS OF ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS

THE SEMI-RIGID CAREMERGENT ARCHITECTURE[ ]

http://www.dezeen.com/2011/07/07/semi-rigid-car-by-emergent/

The topology is defi ned as a multi-layered tessel-lation forming a continuous surface which could have differentiated structural characteristics, porosity, density, illumination, self-shading and so on. The actuation is carried out through shape memory alloy strips which could alter their shape by rearranging their micro-molecular organization between their austenitic and martensitic states. The shape memory alloy strip is bi-stable, but a strategic proliferation of these strips through a rational geometry could render several permuta-tion and combinations creating multiple states of equilibrium, thus enabling continuous dynamic adaptation of the structure.

12EVOLO COMPETITIONADAPTIVE SYSTEMSMARIA MINGALLON, S. RAMASWAMY, K. KARATZAS

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EAP EXPERIMENTS

[ ]DESIGN INTENT: Electroactive polymers (EAP) in large scale archi-tectural applications have yet to examined in a wide context. These studies hope to show the possible uses for such smart materials as part of an integrated structural and skin envelope.

CAAD.ETHZ preliminary facade testing. This confi gura-tion a rare if not only example of possible EAP facade appli-cation

The goal of this research is to try to accomplish a envelope that not only uses a diagrid tessellation as means of structural rationality, but also the implementation of a kinetic and interactive shading actua-tor

The Yas Hotel by Asymptote is a starting precedent of using a diagrid and shading actua-tor in unison in an envelope. The mechanical actuators here however are composed of moving, yet static translucent panels

Norman Foster’s British Mu-seum extension is a prime precedent of not only the diagrid structure, but one that is completely self supporting and requires no additional sup-ports breaking the fl ow of the structure.

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The fi rst exploration into an architectural application of EAP panels started simply and as an extension of the studies fi rst made by CAAD.ETHZ. A preliminary model was also created to start to spatially observe some of the inherent qualities present within such a system.

Closed Panels Open Panels Side View

Structural supports houses power supply

Horizontal connections/ electrical power sources

Exterior Glass

EXPLORATION 1.0[ ]

EAP EXPERIMENTS EXPLORATION 2.1

EXPLORATION 2.2

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The start of this exploration dealt with some of the logistical structural rationality of how to incorporate a system of EAP panels with a diagrid structural frame for use in architectural settings. At the joint connec-tions of the diagrid structural framing, supports will extend outward to connect to the acrylic framing sup-perting the EAP fi lms.

As another step within this experiment was the applica-tion of the kinetic EAP fi lms along a curvilinear structure. The application of such a form has not been explored yet and as the ShapeShift case study shows, only planar as-semblies have been utilized as of yet. The fi rst step was to create a system of movable EAP fi lms with the use of Grasshopper Parametric Modeling for Rhino to generate a working digital protoype for such a construct. A sun sys-tem was also utilized to provide real and visual feedback to inform upon the design. One such observation of these processes was the fact that it was found to be more ef-fi cient to vary the EAP actuations such that some opened in one direction, and the others in the opposite direction to allow more sunlight to penetrate the skin.

16EXPLORATION 2.3[ ]

From the observations made from the Grasshop-per model, the next step was to incorporate the entire structural rationality into the curvilinear form. Grasshopper was again used to create the diagrid structure and extrude the supports inward to connect to the EAP frames. The addition of a tensile wire structure was used to provide more stability to the supports extruded to the EAP pan-els. With the use of a varied actuation of the EAP, there is a different kind of dialogue introduced on the interior caused by the shading of the EAP fi lms which can be seen at top of this page. When looking at the fi nished result, the entire sys-tem then begins to form a hypothesis of how an architectural implementation of EAP could work and function. If this experiment could be seen as a roof structure, then the actuation of the EAP acts a moving, almost living part of the building.

EXPLORATION 3.1[ ]EAP EXPERIMENTS

diagrid structure diagrid structure further subdivided into planar triangular divisions

Electro-active polymers can be arranged in a linear pattern flexing in the positive and negative directions

Upon further examination of the pattern, hexagonal geometry could be implentated

A repeating hexagonal structure can lead to different polymer arrangements

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PATTERN EXPLORATIONS

Gaining off of what was found during the previous exploration, a more in depth look into the structural patterning was devised to see what other developments would arise in the EAP experimentation. A hexagonal subdivision could also be incorporated into the structural framing which on a matter of design implications, also references the hexagonal and repeatable modules of the molecular structure of all polymers. The hexagonal subdivision can create a rather interesting dialogue between structure and smart material where they can thus be in a sense self referential and can culminate in a rather cohesive skin made of previously unrelated constructs

EXPLORATION 3.2[ ]

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Using the hexagonal subdivision ex-periments, a model was created that incorporated the hexagon, but also followed some of the same struc-tural motifs found in Exploration 2. A rough structural pattern was drawn up on the computer and from there a method was formulated to construct the model. Because of the unique angles such a subdivision entails, the joints connecting the structural frame were laser cut to make a more accurate model. The EAP fi lms were substituted by another fi lm which can then try to illustrate the transpar-ency of the EAP while still providing shade.

EAP EXPERIMENTS EXPLORATION 4.1[ ]

Exploration 4 was approached as a means of building from Exploration 3 and the idea of hexagonal subdivi-sion. As the model in Exploration 3 shows a linear as-sembly, this series of tests tries to go beyond the typical idea of wall and roof by blurring the structural ideologies and taking free form. Ex 4.1 started with the applica-tion of a hexagonal grid to a simple lofted surface. The strategy of assembly consisted of a rectangular divided surface into which would be inserted the hexagonal modules. This poses some problems as there would be interstitial geometries between modules. A solution was found such that these gaps between the modules would appear almost nonexistent. After the implementation of the hexagonal grid was formulated, the same logic was then applied to a free form, organic “pavilion” kind of geometry. The form resulted in countless variations of modules with unique connections and instances which would not be ideal for fabrication. Exploration 4.2 deals with this geometry and some possible fabrication meth-ods which if developed further, may provide a look into what this sort of exploration may realize.

20EXPLORATION 4.2[ ]

EAP EXPERIMENTS EXPLORATION 5.1[ ]

VILLA NURBSEMPURIABRAVA, SPAINENRIC RUIZ GELI

[ ]As the “pavilion” system in the previ-ous exploration proved to be more intensive to fabricate, a new building system, or rather, a different applica-tion of the latter explorations was sought out to develop a means of fabrication and testing.

As the project turned to research yet again, a precedent was found that incorporates many design features necessary to the current exploration.

‘Villa nurbs’ is a private residence developed by Spanish architect Enric Ruiz Geli in collaboration with artist Frederic Amat and ceramist Toni Cu-mella. The space age designed family house is located in Empuriabrava (Costa Brava), Spain and consistsof wavelike ceramic plates which are used against solar radiation. The plates for the north wall of this build-ing were produced using digitally cut moulds. When the house is seen from above it looks like the eyes of an insect.

The way the exterior walls are con-structed is reminiscent of some of the structural ideas mentioned in the previous explorations and can fabri-cated in such a way as to be divided into primary, secondary and tertiary structural systems.

http://www.ruiz-geli.com/04_html/04_villanurbs.html

22EXPLORATION 5.2[ ]

Using the Villa Nurbs as a precedent, this explo-ration is composed of only a curvilinear wall as opposed to an encompassing form like in Explora-tion 4. Using Grasshopper, the structure, second-ary and actuating EAP fi lms were all modeled and then gradually optimized in preparation for future digital fabrication.

With this type of assembly, it is within all means of structural clarity that a system incorporating a supporting frame with EAP integration could exist and may adapt to free form structures. The entire system then adheres to the “deep skin” ideology where a cladding system not only is structural, but preforms on a deeper level of consciousness based on external factors and instances.

Nickel titanium, also known as nitinol, is a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, where the two elements are present in roughly equal atomic percentages.Nitinol alloys exhibit two closely related and unique properties: shape memory and super-elasticity (also called pseudoelasticity). Shape memory refers to the ability of nitinol to undergo deformation at one temperature, then recover its original, undeformed shape upon heating above its “transformation temperature”. Superelasticity occurs at a narrow temperature range just above its transformation temperature; in this case, no heating is necessary to cause the undeformed shape to recover, and the material exhibits enormous elasticity, some 10-30 times that of ordinary metal.

So far, the use of an electro-active polymer in the scope of a potential experiment and mock up appears to be too hard to achieve. The fi lm from 3M is extremely small and the process to manufacture the fi lm is not available. However, to con-tinue to research the poten-tial applications of what this technology can do, another material must be used to simulate the same effects.

STUDY EVALUATIONS

NITINOL WIRE[ ]

Reef investigates the role emerging material technology can play in the sensitive reprogramming of architectural and public space. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), a category of metals that change shape according to temperature, of-fer the possibility of effi cient, fl uid movement without the mechanized motion of earlier technologies. Operating at a molecular level, this motion parallels that of plants and lower level organisms that are considered responsive but not conscious. A fi eld of sunfl owers as they track the sun across the sky or a reef covered with sea anemones, offer images of the type of responsive motion this technology affords. Its use in practical applications has been limited to the medical and aerospace fi elds as well as novelty toys - the super exclusive vs. the trite. Despite the potential of this technology, there have been few serious attempts to test its possibilities at the scale of architectural environments. Reef’s unique exploration of technology shifts from the biomimetic to the biokinetic while liberating and extending architecture’s capacity to produce a sense of willfulness.

24REEF INSTALLATION STORE FRONT FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE NEW YORK CITYJOSHUA STEIN- RADICAL CRAFT

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http://www.reefseries.com/

EAP PROTOTYPINGAs an attempt to model a kinetic working model of EAP implementation, studies in electromagnets were conducted to try to create actuation. Assembled as star, there are six complete EAP panels which also showcases different ways of pattern-ing the EAP orientations on a facade, A battery was connected to an iron ore rod wrapped with insulated copper wire to cre-ate a magnet which then attracts the ends of the EAP mock ups and thus creates a small sense of motion and aperature logic.

The prototype of Exploration 5.2 utilized and relied heavily upon Grasshopper and digital fabrication techniques in order to realize the curvilinear na-ture of the form. The entire structural system was divided into its subsequent planar triangular parts and was then oriented for laser fabrication complete with foldable tabs so that when bent, the individually numbered triangular frames would meet precisely and create the curvilinear form out of tension force.

SIMPLE WALL SECTION 26

GRASSHOPPER DEFINITION

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Electroactive Polymer Film‘Danfoss’ in Nordborg DenmarkPH# 45 7488 222Fax# 45 7488 6999E-Mail: PolyPower@danfoss.com

Nitinol Shape Memory WireKelloggs Research Laboratories PH# 607-727-1430E-Mail: info@kelloggsresearchlabs.com

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MATERIAL SAMPLESSmart Material samples associated with the project were collected by contacting suppliers and peti-tioning for a donation to help grow the Texas Tech University College of Architecture Smart Materials Library. The Smart Materials Library has a growing and extensive collection after just a few semesters and the samples collected for these experiments will be given to Prof. Maria Perbellini to help current and future students of the college for years to come.

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OTHER RESOURCES 30

http://www.strategicpolymers.com/

http://electrochem.cwru.edu/encycl/art-p02-elact-pol.htm

http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=885

http://hackaday.com/2011/07/01/electro-active-polymers/

http://ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov/nasa-nde/lommas/eap/IPMC_PrepProcedure.htm

http://www.deckeryeadon.com/projects.html#

http://www.empa.ch/plugin/template/empa/*/72289/---/l=1

http://openmaterials.org/2010/01/21/diy-eap/

http://www.piezotech.eu/

http://caad-eap.blogspot.com/

http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/MIT/863.10/people/jie.qi/jieweek14.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujEq7bDJnvU&feature=related

http://www.robotshop.com/dynalloy-fl exinol-010-ht-actuator-wire.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=jos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOv1APvdFZU&feature=related