In this paper the general-purpose finite element (FE) software ABAQUS is used to develop models to simulate large nonlinear viscoelastic response of non-axisymmetric dielectric elastomer actuators. The FE models assume the material to be a simple homogenous, isotropic, and incompressible material. The hyperelastic and viscoelastic material constants are determined using results from constant load uniaxial tensile tests and a constant load uniaxial creep test, respectively. Actuator with elliptical and rectangular cavities fabricated and tested at 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 kV. The FE models are validated using experimental results obtained after 90 seconds.
A non-linear viscoelastic model for finite deformations of dielectric elastomer membranes using Christensen's theory of viscoelasticity is developed. For a time efficient numerical solution, the constitutive integral equations with a time dependent kernel (relaxation modulus) are reformulated into a recurrence form using Feng's recurrence formula and solution for the principal stretches are obtained. Uniaxial constant load tensile tests are conducted and compared with theoretical predictions. The model is also valid for small linear deformations.
An analytical model of a thin annulus made of a dielectric elastomer was derived in our earlier work. It is the focus of this paper to fabricate and test the electroactive polymer actuators presented in the model. Radial displacement measurements were obtained using a digital image correlation technique that involved cross-correlating images of the actuator before and after a change in the electric field. Results showed that the two-term Ogden material model provided a good agreement with experimental data. Hysteresis of the dielectric actuators was observed. Radial displacements of material points on the actuator varied between two consecutive tests which may indicate that strain has history-dependent characteristics.
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