Dr. Kwang J. Kim

Friday, April 22, at 3:00 PM
Warnock Eng. Bldg. Rm. 2230
Reception to follow at 4:00 PM

Seminar Abstract

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscles (AM) are low voltage driven actuators exhibiting large “bending” displacement, operating in an aqueous environment. Thus, they are suited for creating artificial fish-like propulsors that can mimic the undulatory, flapping, and complex motions of fish fins. In this presentation, a newly-developed IPMC AM fin with patterned electrodes will be discussed for realizing multiple degrees-of-freedom motion, such as bending and twisting. Further- more, physics-based models that can simulate ion transport and corresponding strain for IPMC actua- tion will be discussed. The model can be used as an effective design tool for fabricating IPMCs specific to certain engineering applications including “twisting.” In addition, experimental results on electro- mechanical coupling of various types of IPMCs will be included in the presentation.

About Dr. Kim

Kwang J. (Jin) Kim is Foundation Professor and Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Depart- ment and Director of two laboratories namely “Active Materials and Processing Laboratory (AMPL)” and “Low Carbon Green Technology Laboratory (LCGTL).” Dr. Kim graduated from Yonsei University, Korea, in 1987 and received his MS and Ph.D. from Arizona State University (ASU) in 1989 and 1992, respectively. Later, he completed a postdoctoral study at the University of Maryland-College Park (1993-1995). His industrial experience includes Senior Research Engineer at Thermal Electric Devices, Inc. (1995-1997) and Chief Scientist at Environmental Robots, Inc. (1997-2001), Albuquerque NM. He joined UNR as an assistant professor in 2001, becoming a full professor within six years in 2007. His research interests are in a broad spectrum of “Active Materials/Sensors” and “(Renewable) Energy Systems.” He has authored/co-authored over 270 technical papers, including 116 referred journal papers, three books (one pending), and holds three patents. In March 2011 he was named Foundation Professor (UNR’s highest research and teaching honor); he is a recipient of the 2006 UNR Lemelson Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 2002 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and a co-recipient of the 1997 Best Paper Award of ASME/Advanced Energy Systems/HPTC. He is a fellow of ASME.