An application of finite element modelling to pneumatic artificial muscle

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to introduce and to give an overview of the Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) as a whole and to discuss its numerical modelling, using the Finite Element (FE) Method. Thus, more information to understand on its behaviour in generating force for actuation was obtained. The construction of PAMs was mainly consists of flexible, inflatable membranes which having orthotropic material behaviour. The main properties influencing the PAMs will be explained in terms of their load-carrying capacity and low weight in assembly. Discussion on their designs and capacity to function as locomotion device in robotics applications will be laid out, followed by FE modelling to represent PAMs overall structural behaviour under any potential operational conditions.