- #1
kolleamm
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I was told there exists a metallic fluid that contracts when a voltage is applied to it. Does anything like this actually exist?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the existence of a metallic fluid that contracts when a voltage is applied, exploring the mechanisms involved, potential materials, and applications such as artificial muscles. The scope includes theoretical and conceptual aspects, as well as references to related materials science concepts.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention a mechanism called electrostriction, which may relate to the contraction of materials under an electric field, but express uncertainty about specific materials that exhibit this behavior.
- One participant notes the difficulty in finding examples of electrostrictive fluids, suggesting a possible confusion with dielectric fluids, which change shape in an electric field.
- Another participant references a document on programmable liquid matter, indicating a potential connection to the topic but does not confirm the existence of the metallic fluid in question.
- There is speculation about the possibility of using such a fluid to create artificial muscles, with references to ongoing research in electroactive polymers as a related area.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of a metallic fluid that contracts under voltage, and multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms and materials involved.
Contextual Notes
Participants express limitations in their knowledge of specific materials and mechanisms, and there are references to external documents that may not be accessible to all. The discussion also highlights the potential overlap between electrostriction and dielectric properties, which remains unresolved.
Who May Find This Useful
Readers interested in materials science, electroactive materials, and applications in robotics or artificial muscle development may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
Frabjous
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I believe the mechanism you are talking about is known as electrostriction.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostriction
I do not have a good knowledge of which materials exhibit it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostriction
I do not have a good knowledge of which materials exhibit it.
- #3
Astronuc
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I was looking for examples of electrostrictive fluids, but could only find statements about dielectric fluids. Electrostrictive change shape in an electric field, which I expects is related to polarization. I've seen examples in the past in physics or materials science texts, but they are all in storage at the moment, so I can't readily access.caz said:
- #4
256bits
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You mean like this - ( Watch out for Terminator )kolleamm said:
http://cs.swan.ac.uk/~csjen/Documents/Programmable-Liquid-Matter.pdf
If not, it still is interesting.
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- #5
Frabjous
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256bits said:
That's really cool.
And of course they reference Landau
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- #6
kolleamm
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Thanks for the replies. If something like this does exist, I'm wondering if it would be possible to make an artificial muscle with it.
- #7
Frabjous
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They are trying it with polymerskolleamm said:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers
https://trs.jpl.nasa.gov/bitstream/handle/2014/37602/05-1898.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
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