Fig. 3: Experimental analysis of active aperture sensing and electrothermal LCON actuation.
From: Multi-functional liquid crystal oligomer networks for human-interactive self-regulation
a The top view of the printed sample (i) and thermal profile (ii) during actuating of the LCON device. b Graphical analysis of the contractile force and kinetics of the LCON self-regulating device between an operating potential difference range of 5-9 V. c Graphical analysis of the contractile displacement of the LCON device with applied potential difference; a 3D schematic of the exact contractile motion of the LCON device is embedded. d Circuit diagram of the on-board LCON circuitry, where R1 and R2 denote the presence of the resistances in sensing and actuating electrodes respectively. e Real images of the LCON device before and during oscillating; a small red square marker is affixed at the bottom of the ring to monitor actuation amplitude. f Graphical thermal (i), actuation (ii) and voltage (iii) analysis of the LCON device in the oscillation state. g Statistical analysis of oscillation frequency within a 120 s interval under different applied voltages, where error bars represent the variation in frequency during the measurement period. h Graphical analysis of the effect of the distance between actuating and sensing electrode on the required threshold power for triggering oscillation.
