A coupled photo-mechanical finite element model incorporating the light
attenuation and mechanical characteristics will be presented. The model will be
used to study the feasibility of developing a light actuated cart with wheels made
from azobenzene-doped liquid crystal polymers. A splayed-nematic arrangement
of directors through the thickness of hollow cylindrical polymer film (wheel)
results in asymmetric deformation about the central axis when exposed to photo
stimuli. This asymmetry in shape helps in maneuvering the cart in straight and
curved paths with precise control depending on the incident light intensity,
wavelength, illumination direction and irradiated area. The developed predictive
model allows for the exploration of possible actuation mechanisms that also lead
to promising novel soft actuator designs. The results of the numerical model are
expected to provide necessary inputs to the design and development of the light driven cart