Work

Soft-backing enhanced composite electroadhesion

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents an application of electroadhesion (EA) where a soft substrate is used to accommodate misalignments and surface roughness increasing normal & peel force potential. Poor alignment during multi-agent contact will create multi-axial loading requiring greater normal and peel strength than is normally considered for EA clutching and braking. Results show compliant backing increases the EA normal (8–24 kPa), peel (2–4 kPa), and shear tractions (20–106 kPa) at the expense of only contact stiffness. The displacement over which the contact maintained a traction was also increased with a soft backing increasing the contact energy in all cases. Graphical Abstract

Source: MRS Communications

DOI: 10.1557/s43579-025-00911-w

Authors: Jeffrey T. Auletta, Kevin P. T. Haughn, Madeline A. Morales, Todd C. Henry

Institutions: DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Rose–Hulman Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,390

Funder: Army Research Laboratory