Fabrication and analysis of planar dielectric elastomer actuators capable of complex 3-D deformation

William Lai, Ashraf F. Bastawros, Wei Hong, Soon Jo Chung

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A new design for a dielectric elastomer actuator with geometrically confining reinforcements is presented. The resulting structures enable complex 3-dimentional motion without the need of the membrane prestretch. An in situ imaging system is used to capture the complex deformation pattern to evaluate the surface curvatures. The deformation mode is analyzed analytically using the bi-laminate theory to explore the actuator performance and further develop analytical model amenable for control strategies. A finite element material model is also developed to couple the applied electric field to the resulting deformation. The model is used to analyze more complex deformation patterns. The proposed confining reinforcements would enable the development of flexible wings for agile aerial robotics and compliant continuum robotics, utilizing the proposed deformation mechanisms to provide controllable many degrees of freedom.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2012 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2012
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages4968-4973
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781467314039
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event 2012 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2012 - Saint Paul, MN, United States
Duration: May 14 2012May 18 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Other

Other 2012 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySaint Paul, MN
Period5/14/125/18/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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