What is it about?
Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have gained significant attention due to their potential in soft robotics and adaptive structures. However, their performance is often limited by their in-plane strain distribution and limited mechanical stability. We introduce a novel design utilizing fiber reinforcement to address these challenges. The fiber reinforcement provides enhanced mechanical integrity and improved strain distribution, enabling efficient energy conversion and out-of-plane displacement. In this study, a DEA reaching a maximal out-of-plane displacement of 500 μm with a force of 0.18 N is introduced, showing promise for the development of haptic devices.
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Why is it important?
In this study, we present a novel approach for fiber-reinforced DEAs, emphasizing material selection and manufacturing techniques to optimize deflection and force. Through a combination of analytical and numerical simulations and experimental validations, we investigated the efficacy of these fiber-reinforced equibiaxial DEAs and characterized their displacement capabilities.
Perspectives
In future work, the anisotropic DEA behaviour can be considered in the constitutive models to account for the direction-dependent properties of the actuator. This modeling approach draws inspiration from the anisotropic nature of biological tissues and muscles, aiming to accurately represent the complex mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced DEAs. In addition, the device behaviour enables different applications, e. g. in haptics.
Simon Holzer
Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Fiber-Reinforced Equibiaxial Dielectric Elastomer Actuator for Out-of-Plane Displacement, Materials, July 2024, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/ma17153672.
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