Finite element and experimental analyses of non-axisymmetric dielectric elastomer actuators

In this paper the general-purpose finite element (FE) software ABAQUS is used to develop models to simulate large nonlinear viscoelastic response of non-axi symmetric dielectric elastomer actuators. The FE models assume the material to be a simple homogenous, isotropic, and incompressible material. The hyperelastic and viscoelastic material constants are determined using results from constant load uniaxial tensile tests and a constant load uniaxial creep test, respectively. Actuator with elliptical and rectangular cavities fabricated and tested at 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 kV. The FE models are validated using experimental results obtained after 90 seconds.