This week I worked on analyzing the strain of supercoiled polymer(SCP) actuator of a new nylon string. By using various weights and current during annealing process, I found that the strain during annealing process is about 10-15%. However, after annealing, the strain significantly reduces. In the next few week, I want to increase the strain even when the actuator is not under annealing.
This picture shows SCP actuators after different types of weight and current annealing. Strain displayed is measured during annealing.