Nonlinear dynamics modeling of a light-powered liquid crystal elastomer-based perpetual motion machine

The benefits of self-excited motion include the capacity to draw energy directly from the external environment, as well as autonomy and portability, and the creation of additional self-oscillating systems holds the promise of finding applications in various fields, including medical devices, autonomous robotics, energy harvesting, sensors, and more. Inspired by the magnetic perpetual motion, this paper introduces a conceptual perpetual motion machine utilizing liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and steady illumination. The system consists of a turntable and multiple motion ducts, each containing a mass block. A nonlinear dynamics model for the LCE-based perpetual motion machine operating under steady illumination is established, considering the dynamic LCE model. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, employing the classical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, are employed to examine the system's dynamic behaviors. The system exhibits a supercritical Hopf bifurcation between static and self-rotation patterns. Notably, the external environment's energy input counteracts damping dissipation, preventing the system from halting due to damping and other factors. Theoretical condition for Hopf bifurcation in the perpetual motion machine's self-rotation is derived and validated via numerical computations. Extensive quantitative investigations are conducted to determine the influence of system parameters on self-rotation frequency. The results illustrate that through parameter adjustments, the motion pattern and frequency of the system can be controlled effectively. The proposed system offers continuous rotation in a zero-energy mode, presenting remarkable benefits, including energy efficiency, reduced noise, decreased wear, and robust stability. These attributes position it for significant future applications in power generation, energy harvesting, sensors, and various other fields.