Berlin 2008 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help

CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 10: POSTERS New Materials, Organic Semiconductors

CPP 10.4: Poster

Monday, February 25, 2008, 16:45–19:00, Poster A

A co-axial dielectric elastomer actuator — •Hristiyan Stoyanov, Guggi Kofod, and Reimund Gerhard — Applied Condensed-Matter Physics, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, D-14469 Potsdam,Germany

Dielectric elastomer actuators based on Maxwell-stress induced deformation, are considered for many potential applications where high actuation strain and high energy density are required. They usually rely on a planar actuator configuration, however, a string-like actuator would be less bulky, and more versatile for several applications. A co-axial dielectric elastomer actuator was developed and evaluated. The proposed geometry is fabricated through alternating dip-coating steps with thin insulating and conductive elastomer layers. Actuators with single and multiple active layers have been successfully demonstrated. The actuation strain and force generated by the actuators were determined at different levels of pre-strain. Voltage-dependent actuation strain measurements were obtained. The experimental results were compared to a straightforward electromechanical model for cylindrical elastomer actuators.