Abstract
It is necessary to generate spatially inhomogeneous differential stresses to create a smart structure using temperatureresponsive hydrogels which are synthesized to exhibit large reversible deformation due to the volume transition in response to changes in temperature. A straightforward strategy to create a temperature-responsive bending structure is to utilize multilayers. In order to design the structures that bend in response to temperature, we develop a theoretical model of bilayer structure; confined hydrogel layer on a substrate. Based on the Flory-Rehner free energy, we formulate the finite pure bending and investigate the mechanical consequences of swelling in confined hydrogel layers on substrate.
