Design and modeling of dielectric elastomer actuators

W. Kaal; S. Herold; T. Melz

doi:10.1117/12.915187

3 April 2012 Design and modeling of dielectric elastomer actuators

W. Kaal, S. Herold, T. Melz

Proceedings Volume 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012; 83402D (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915187
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

One of the main technical challenges in the development of dielectric elastomer (DE) stack actuators is the design and realization of suitable electrodes. They must be compliant and be able to undergo large strains without adding too much stiffness. Metal electrodes are therefore normally out of question due to their high stiffness, though their electrical properties are excellent. In this work a new design approach is presented which comprises rigid metal electrodes. Its functionality is proven by means of numerical simulations and experimental tests. It allows the customized tailoring of transducer elements due to the designable electrode structure. A functional demonstrator is built and tested concerning its electrical, mechanical and electromechanical behavior. For this new actuator type a full electromechanical model is developed. It contains all transfer characterisitcs in a nonlinear description and accounts for various physical effects arising from the special actuator design. Due to its standardized interface configuration it can well be used in combination with existing models for mechanical structures and electrical amplifiers to completely model active systems. It is applicable for the realistic simulation necessary in the development of active solutions with EAP devices. A first longterm test with 108 load cycles was performed in order to show the durability of the actuator.

Citation Download Citation

W. Kaal, S. Herold, and T. Melz "Design and modeling of dielectric elastomer actuators", Proc. SPIE 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012, 83402D (3 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.915187

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available