Modelling electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators: electro-mechanical coupling using finite element software

F. Rosenblatt; J. F. Morrison; L. Iannucci

doi:10.1117/12.776086

10 April 2008 Modelling electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators: electro-mechanical coupling using finite element software

F. Rosenblatt, J. F. Morrison, L. Iannucci

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6927, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008; 692712 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776086
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Controlling turbulence is a major aim for many engineering disciplines. Decades of research, have shown that the large frictional drag in turbulent flows is attributed to the existence of near-wall coherent structures. Turbulence control is therefore likely to be achieved by manipulating these coherent structures. The challenge this presents is to find actuators that are functional at the spatial scales of those coherent structures (10 μm to 0.1 mm) and their temporal scale (100 kHz). Recent advances in MEMS technology have made possible the construction of such actuators. Electroactive polymers (EAP) provide excellent performance, are lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive. Therefore EAPs, and in particular dielectric elastomers (DEAs), provide many potential applications as micro-actuators. The modelling and simulating of EAP actuators are a cost-effective way of providing a better understanding of the material itself in order to optimise designs. A technique to accurately model DEA materials, taking into account its non-linearities as well as its large deformations, is being developed in this study.

Citation Download Citation

F. Rosenblatt, J. F. Morrison, and L. Iannucci "Modelling electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators: electro-mechanical coupling using finite element software", Proc. SPIE 6927, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2008, 692712 (10 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.776086

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