Chemically powered actuation of polymer artificial muscles (PAMs) is described by the mixing of solvent -- which may include ions -- into a polymer sample on a molecular level. This actuation is a function of polymer-solvent combination and crosslink density (among other parameters), which can be controlled with chemical modification. This goal of this project is to develop a software model to predict swelling characteristics of PAMs, including accounting for solvent uptake, polymer oxidation states, moving ions, electric fields, and stress, and to verify the swelling model via various measurements of the polymers in various forms including bulk, membranes, fibers, fiber mats, and PAMs. Close interaction with ARL's PAM work will be necessary and obligatory. Some of the Fellow's work may be done at Adelphi Laboratory Center; however, the bulk of the work will be done remotely and at the Fellow's university laboratories.
The Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate (SEDD) is the Army’s principal center for research and development in the exploration and exploitation of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes radio frequency, microwave, millimeter-wave, infrared (IR), visible, and audio regions. SEDD is responsible for advances in laser sources, RF sources, IR sensors, signature detection and decoding, target imaging and its interpretation, fusion of data derived from several sensors, and electromagnetic protection.
In addition, SEDD is responsible for improving the technology base for electron devices and materials related to sensors and power devices. Research is conducted in related aspects of physics, electrical engineering, computer science, solid-state physics, chemical engineering, material sciences, and electrochemistry.
About ARL-RAP
The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences.
A complete application includes:
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Three References Forms
An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
Transcripts
Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable
If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :
Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL (see Research Areas)
The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
Explain the direction you plan to pursue
Include expected period for completing the study
Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal
A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.