Comparison of dielectric materials for the activation of a macro-scale hinge configuration

C. Jordi; A. Schmidt; G. Kovacs; Paolo Ermanni

doi:10.1117/12.880431

28 March 2011 Comparison of dielectric materials for the activation of a macro-scale hinge configuration

C. Jordi, A. Schmidt, G. Kovacs, Paolo Ermanni

Proceedings Volume 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011; 79761G (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880431
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

While much of the research on dielectric elastomer actuators used to concentrate on VHB 4910 as dielectric material, lately many new, specifically developed materials have come into focus. The acrylic VHB has been thoroughly characterized in a macro-scale agonist-antagonist configuration on an active hinge. This was carried out with the aim of using it on an airship, which was activated, undulating body and a fin and thus propelled in a fish-like manner. The concept was proved in flight, but still lifetime and viscosity of the actuators and the time-costing fabrication due to the necessary large pre-stretches of the dielectric membrane caused severe inconveniences. In order to evaluate the usability of other materials for this specific purpose, two other materials, a corrugated silicone with silver electrodes (by PolyPower) and an acrylic with interpenetrating network (IPN) developed by Pei et al. were characterized under similar conditions. The influence of the material on performance and design of the actuators and the conclusions for the use of the materials on the airship (and on applications with similar performance requirements) are presented.

Citation Download Citation

C. Jordi, A. Schmidt, G. Kovacs, and Paolo Ermanni "Comparison of dielectric materials for the activation of a macro-scale hinge configuration", Proc. SPIE 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011, 79761G (28 March 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880431

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available