Twisted Dielectric Elastomer Stack Actuator

The purpose of this research is to make an actuator which is easily adaptable to use as artificial muscle by improving structure of stack-type Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA). In contrast with previous stack-type actuator, Single body Dielectric Elastomer stack Actuators (SDEAs) is connected as single body without external frame so that it can be actuated in twisted and bended state like human muscle. Consequently, it is applicable with no design limitations of rigid frame and has the advantages of flexibility and weight lightening. Using the advantages of SDEAs, we fabricate 2-ply structure SDEAs which can amplify the contraction rate and compare the performance with the non-ply SDEAs and evaluate that SDEAs is effective for use as artificial muscle application.