Free-standing tubular DEAs for multi-directional bending

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Highly anisotropic, fiber-based structures are a successful concept in nature. Usual dielectric elastomer actuators are entirely soft and rely on the integration of stiff carrier frames for the fragile dielectric membranes. Within this work, a completely soft, fiber-reinforced free-standing tubular actuator concept is presented. The circumferentially running carbon fibers are integrated into the inner electrode of the DEA and stabilize the cross-section, while having negligible impact on the mechanical stiffness in the axial direction. Through the segmentation of the outer electrode of the actuator, active bending in the corresponding directions is achieved. Moreover, if all segments are activated simultaneously, the actuator expands axially. The presented manufacturing approach allows for the adjustment of the dimensions over a wide range of diameters and lengths. Furthermore, the local stiffness of actuators can be tailored by varying the amount of fibers incorporated into the electrode. The electroactive deformation of actuators with different diameter-to-length ratios and fiber densities is investigated.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXV
EditorsHerbert R. Shea
PublisherSPIE - The international society for optics and photonics
ISBN (electronic)9781510660717
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12482
ISSN0277-786X

Conference

TitleElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices XXV
Abbreviated titleEAPAD 2023
Conference number25
Duration13 - 15 March 2023
CityLong Beach
CountryUnited States of America

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-7062-9598/work/174430547
ORCID /0000-0003-1058-4030/work/174432461

Keywords

Keywords

  • bending actuator, cylindrical DEA, dielectric elastomer actuator, fiber reinforcement, free-standing DEA, manufacturing fiber-elastomer composites, tubular DEA, unidirectional actuator