Buckling of an ionic polymer metal composite shell under uniaxial compression

In this paper, we analyze buckling of an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) shell subjected to uniaxial compression. A new technique is developed to fabricate tubular IPMCs using hot molding and a chemical reduction process. The short-circuit current and the mechanical deformation of the sample are recorded during the compression test. Experimental findings demonstrate that IPMC buckling can be accurately sensed via the short-circuit current, which is approximately zero during the loading phase, before exhibiting a sudden increase at the onset of the elastic instability.