Analysis of electromechanical stability on dielectric elastomer actuators under large deformations condition

The material and geometrical nonlinearities of novel dielectric elastomer actuators make them more difficult to model than linear materials used in traditional actuators. To accurately model dielectric elastomers, a comprehensive mathematical formulation that incorporates large deformations, material nonlinearity, and electrical effects is derived using Maxwell-Faraday electrostatics and nonlinear elasticity. The analytical model is used to numerically solve for the resultant behavior of an inflatable dielectric elastomer membrane, subject to changes in various system parameters such as prestrain, external pressure, applied voltage, and the percentage electroded membrane area. The model can be used to predict acceptable ranges of motion for prescribed system specifications. The predicted trends are qualitatively supported by experimental work on fluid pumps [A. Tews, K. Pope, and A. Snyder, Proceedings SPIE, 2003)]. For a potential cardiac pump application, it is envisioned that the active dielectric elastomer membrane will function as the motive element of the device.

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Characterization, fabrication, and analysis of soft dielectric elastomer actuators capable of complex 3D deformation

10.31274/etd-180810-4394 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

William Lai

Keyword(s):

Dielectric Elastomer ◽

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators ◽

3D Deformation

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Computational Model of Hydrostatically Coupled Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (Preprint)

10.21236/ada552012 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Huiming Wang ◽

Shengqiang Cai ◽

Federico Carpi ◽

Zhigang Suo

Keyword(s):

Computational Model ◽

Dielectric Elastomer ◽

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

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On the mechanical power output comparisons of cone dielectric elastomer actuators

IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics ◽

10.1109/tmech.2021.3054460 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

Chongjing Cao ◽

Lijin Chen ◽

Wenke Duan ◽

Thomas L. Hill ◽

Bo Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Power Output ◽

Dielectric Elastomer ◽

Mechanical Power ◽

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators ◽

Mechanical Power Output

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A broadbanded pressure differential wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators

Nonlinear Dynamics ◽

10.1007/s11071-021-06721-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michele Righi ◽

Giacomo Moretti ◽

David Forehand ◽

Lorenzo Agostini ◽

Rocco Vertechy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wave Energy ◽

Large Deformations ◽

Dielectric Elastomer ◽

Wave Energy Converter ◽

Pressure Differential ◽

Design Stage ◽

Small Scale ◽

Energy Converter ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Waves

AbstractDielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are a promising option for the implementation of affordable and reliable sea wave energy converters (WECs), as they show considerable promise in replacing expensive and inefficient power take-off systems with cheap direct-drive generators. This paper introduces a concept of a pressure differential wave energy converter, equipped with a DEG power take-off operating in direct contact with sea water. The device consists of a closed submerged air chamber, with a fluid-directing duct and a deformable DEG power take-off mounted on its top surface. The DEG is cyclically deformed by wave-induced pressure, thus acting both as the power take-off and as a deformable interface with the waves. This layout allows the partial balancing of the stiffness due to the DEG’s elasticity with the negative hydrostatic stiffness contribution associated with the displacement of the water column on top of the DEG. This feature makes it possible to design devices in which the DEG exhibits large deformations over a wide range of excitation frequencies, potentially achieving large power capture in a wide range of sea states. We propose a modelling approach for the system that relies on potential-flow theory and electroelasticity theory. This model makes it possible to predict the system dynamic response in different operational conditions and it is computationally efficient to perform iterative and repeated simulations, which are required at the design stage of a new WEC. We performed tests on a small-scale prototype in a wave tank with the aim of investigating the fluid–structure interaction between the DEG membrane and the waves in dynamical conditions and validating the numerical model. The experimental results proved that the device exhibits large deformations of the DEG power take-off over a broad range of monochromatic and panchromatic sea states. The proposed model demonstrates good agreement with the experimental data, hence proving its suitability and effectiveness as a design and prediction tool.

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