College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Advisor
Leily Majidi, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Funding Source
Cal Poly College of Engineering
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Liam Drew for his significant contributions to the development of this research.
Date
10-2025
Abstract/Summary
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of stimuli-responsive materials capable of undergoing programmable shape transformations upon thermal activation. Among various heating methods, light-induced activation provides a contact-free, spatially selective, and controllable approach for triggering self-folding behavior, making it particularly valuable for applications in soft robotics, aerospace structures, and biomedical devices. Despite the growing interest in SMPs, a systematic investigation into the influence of photothermal patterning materials, light intensity, and heat distribution on self-folding behavior remains limited. This research aims to explore the self-folding response of a commercially available SMP by employing photothermal materials such as carbon black and laser-induced graphene to enhance light absorption and localized heating. The study will involve precise pattern deposition, targeted light irradiation, and real-time image analysis to quantify folding characteristics such as bending angles, response times, and deformation kinetics. Additionally, heat transfer and temperature distribution will be analyzed using a thermal resistance network model and finite element simulations to provide deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms of light-induced actuation. The outcomes of this study will advance the fundamental understanding of light-responsive SMPs and contribute to the development of remotely controlled, programmable actuation systems for next-generation engineering applications.
October 1, 2025.
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URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/ceng_surp/136