Finite element modelling of dielectric elastomer minimum energy structures |
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Authors: | Benjamin O’Brien Thomas McKay Emilio Calius Shane Xie and Iain Anderson |
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Institution: | (1) The Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Level 6, 70 Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand;(2) Industrial Research Limited, Brooke House, 24 Balfour Road, P.O. Box 2225, Auckland, 1140, New Zealand;(3) Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | This paper presents an experimentally validated finite element model suitable for simulating the quasi-static behaviour of
Dielectric Elastomer Minimum Energy Structure(s) (DEMES). A DEMES consists of a pre-stretched Dielectric Elastomer Actuator
(DEA) adhered to a thin, flexible frame. The tension in the stretched membrane causes the frame to curl up, and when a voltage
is applied, the frame returns to its initial planar state thus forming a useful bending actuator. The simulation method presented
here incorporates a novel strain energy function suitable for simulating general DEA actuator elements. When compared against
blocked force data from our previous work, the new model provides a good fit with an order of magnitude reduction in computational
time. Furthermore, the model accurately matched experimental data on the free displacement of DEMES formed with non-equibiaxially
pre-stretched VHB4905 membranes driven by 2500 V. Non-equibiaxially pre-stretching the membranes allowed control of effective
frame stiffness and bending moment, this was exploited by using the model to optimise stroke at 2500 V in a hypothetical case
study. Dielectric constant measurements for non-equibiaxially stretched VHB4905 are also presented. |
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Keywords: | PACS" target="_blank">PACS 46 32 +x 77 65 -j 83 80 Va |
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