Dielectric elastomer bending actuator: experiment and theoretical analysis

Dielectric elastomer is a kind of smart soft material that has many advantages such as large deformation, fast response, light weight and easy synthesis. Subject to a high voltage, dielectric elastomer film will deform sustainably. These features make dielectric elastomer a suitable material for actuators. This paper discussed a spring-roll bending actuator of dielectric elastomer. An actuator based on dielectric elastomer that could bend when applied a high voltage was fabricated. Based on thermodynamics theories, a theoretical model of dielectric elastomer bending actuator was established and the initial deformation and bending deformation of bending actuator was formulated. Most parameters used in formulas could be obtained from fabrication process or test data and theoretical prediction with these parameters explained the experimental phenomena well. Also, the allowable area of bending actuator is determined considering several failure models including electromechanical instability, electrical breakdown and tensile rupture.