Free-standing tubular DEAs for multi-directional bending

Markus Koenigsdorff; Johannes Mersch; Gerald Gerlach

doi:10.1117/12.2657028

28 April 2023 Free-standing tubular DEAs for multi-directional bending

Markus Koenigsdorff, Johannes Mersch, Gerald Gerlach

Proceedings Volume 12482, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXV; 124820N (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2657028
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2023, Long Beach, California, United States

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.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Markus Koenigsdorff, Johannes Mersch, and Gerald Gerlach "Free-standing tubular DEAs for multi-directional bending", Proc. SPIE 12482, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXV, 124820N (28 April 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2657028

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