Review
Engineering, Mechanical
Gianluca Rizzello
Summary: This paper provides an overview of cooperative actuator and sensor systems based on dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers. DEs, made of a flexible capacitor and a compliant electrode, can function as actuators or sensors. The unique features of DE technology, such as large deformation, high compliance, flexibility, energy efficiency, and low cost, make it attractive for mechatronic systems. By arranging several DEs in an array-like configuration, new applications and features can be achieved through synergistic operations. The paper reviews recent advances, discusses applications, and explores challenges and perspectives for future development of cooperative DE systems.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Yaguang Guo, Jianglong Guo, Liwu Liu, Yanju Liu, Jinsong Leng
Summary: This study presents a caterpillar-inspired soft robot capable of multimodal locomotion, including crawling, climbing, and turning. The robot combines a two-degree-of-freedom dielectric elastomer actuator and two flexible electroadhesives to achieve different modes of movement.
EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jie Xu, Xuegang Yuan, Yan Qing Wang
Summary: A dielectric elastomer (DE) cantilever combined-stepped-plate actuator is proposed and its nonlinear vibration enhancement behaviors are investigated. The governing equations for the actuator's nonlinear vibration are formulated using the variational method, and the solutions are obtained using the harmonic balance method and the arc-length continuation method. The results show that single side voltage excitation is more efficient and the asymmetrical combined plate has better motion performance. Different drive modes can be achieved by changing the voltage frequency, and isolated responses can be obtained for specific dimension parameters.
THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Jakub Bernat, Jakub Kolota, Samuel Rosset
Summary: This article presents a control-oriented modeling of a circular dielectric elastomer actuator loaded with a mass. The model takes into account nonlinear mechanical phenomena and is validated through experiments, showing excellent agreement. The application of steady-state solver improves parameter identification and efficiency in optimization procedures.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Yaguang Guo, Liwu Liu, Yanju Liu, Jinsong Leng
Summary: Dielectric elastomers, as a typical electroactive polymer, can be used in actuators, sensors, and soft robots. This study presents an antagonistic cone dielectric elastomer actuator with a large deformation range, and derives a theoretical model to design geometric parameters and explain the deformation mechanism. The theoretical model is shown to be suitable for predicting the actuator's performance through comparison with experimental results.
EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Yue Wang, Xiuyu Zhang, Zhi Li, Xinkai Chen, Chun-Yi Su
Summary: This article proposes a butterfly-like hysteresis model and a neural network based adaptive implicit inverse control scheme for describing and controlling butterfly-like hysteresis. The effectiveness of the proposed modeling and control methods is validated experimentally.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Christopher G. Cooley, Robert L. Lowe
Summary: In this paper, a Newtonian framework is used to model the nonlinear dynamics of circular dielectric elastomer membranes, taking into account the dynamic thickness changes during planar motion. The results show that membrane thickness has a significant effect on the natural frequency, and axial inertia leads to atypical frequency response, with the possibility of additional jumps and subharmonic resonances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hong Wang, Liang Yang, Xining Zhang, Marcelo H. Ang
Summary: This study determined the prestretching indexes of dielectric elastomers through measuring tensile properties and discussed the actuation displacement and output force of the conical dielectric elastomer actuator with different prestretching index and preloading conditions. The study proposed three indexes to calculate the strain energy density of the actuator and found that a large prestretching ratio could cause instability in the dielectric elastomers. The Gent model was identified as better reflecting the nonlinear deformation behavior of the actuator.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Jie Xu, Xue Gang Yuan, Qunlong Li, Yan Qing Wang
Summary: Inspired by bimorph actuators, a soft actuator made of dielectric elastomer layers and a hyperelastic material core is proposed. This actuator, also known as a sandwich cantilever rectangular plate, can be stimulated by alternating voltages. The study formulates a governing equation based on classical plate theory and the variational method to describe the nonlinear vibration of the actuator. Numerical analysis shows that the combined DC-AC voltage excitation and AC voltage excitation can induce abundant nonlinear behaviors, and the fundamental mode response dominates the dynamic behaviors of the actuator. The study suggests that the nonlinear dynamics can significantly increase the resonant domain, which has potential applications in designing high-performance soft actuators.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MECHANICS A-SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Matthias Baltes, Julian Kunze, Johannes Prechtl, Stefan Seelecke, Gianluca Rizzello
Summary: This paper presents a novel concept for a planar soft robotic module actuated by smart artificial muscles. The structure can continuously bend along a desired direction through the actuation of antagonist-agonist pair of artificial muscle fibers. Experimental results demonstrate that the bending angle is strongly influenced by the choice of flexible beam geometry and RDEA mounting points, with a maximum bending angle of up to 25 degrees.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Dae-Young Lee, Seung Hee Jeong, Andy J. Cohen, Daniel M. Vogt, Matthias Kollosche, Geoffrey Lansberry, Yigit Menguc, Ali Israr, David R. Clarke, Robert J. Wood
Summary: With advancements in mobile computing and virtual/augmented reality technologies, wearable haptic devices have the potential to enhance information delivery channels. This study addresses the challenges of designing an effective wearable haptic device by considering both ergonomics and haptic performance. The use of multilayered dielectric elastomer actuators, a lumped-parameter model of the skin, and a wearable frame helps achieve effective force transmission and low profile design.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jakob-Anhtu Tran, Jeppe Madsen, Anne Ladegaard Skov
Summary: A method for producing vinyl functional polyrotaxane cross-linkers compatible with polysiloxanes has been presented, allowing for the fabrication of highly extensible silicone films with favorable dielectric properties. These novel cross-linkers provide a robust platform for producing a new class of sliding silicone elastomers with well-defined network structures.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Aman Khurana, Ajay Kumar, Santosh Kumar Raut, Atul Kumar Sharma, M. M. Joglekar
Summary: The dielectric elastomer minimum energy structure (DEMES) formed by attaching a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer (DE) membrane to a compliant frame exhibits both material and geometrical nonlinearity, significantly affecting the transient motion of the actuator. Analyzing the viscoelastic effect of the DE membrane on the DEMES dynamic behavior is crucial for efficient design, as revealed by the developed analytical model. The study predicts the delay in equilibrium state onset with increasing viscosity parameter, and demonstrates the significant impact of electric field and viscoelastic behavior on the bending angle of the DEMES actuator.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Keishi Naito, Yohei Miwa, Ryoma Ando, Kisaragi Yashiro, Shoichi Kutsumizu
Summary: The DIC elastomer showed stable dielectric properties and high blocking stress, making it a sustainable and high-performance DEA. The Young's modulus of DIC was influenced by the electric field but had no effect on the blocking stress, demonstrating its resilience and self-healing capabilities.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Marzie Majidi, Masoud Asgari
Summary: This study focuses on the electromechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced tubular dielectric elastomer actuators (TDEAs) and analyzes the induced coupled bending-twisting deformation through numerical and analytical methods. The presented model is validated and used to explore the behavior of the TDEA under different loading and boundary conditions. The results show that fiber orientation has a significant effect on the stability of the TDEA, and coupled deformations in different directions are confirmed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NON-LINEAR MECHANICS
(2023)
