Structural analysis of bending soft pneumatic network actuators for various designs using the finite element method

Purpose This paper aims to present the numerical analysis of displacements, forces and bend angles of three different structural designs of a soft actuator using the finite element method. The results of this analysis help understand the physical behavior of the soft pneumatic actuator. Design/methodology/approach The soft actuator is designed using commercial modeling software, and the design of the actuator is analyzed using ABAQUS 19.0 with a standard implicit nonlinear analysis. There are three types of structural designs for actuators, namely, rectangular-base model, trapezoidal-base model and the trapezoidal model considered in the present study. Findings Maximum displacement, force and bend angle are observed in the rectangular-base model at various pressure levels. Originality/value The development of novel designs of the soft pneumatic actuator to undertake a comparative analysis of displacement, force and bend angle.