Effect of Relative Permittivity with Strain in Dielectric Elastomer Peristaltic Actuator

Abstract

This article, exemplify the deformation behaviour of dielectric elastomer peristaltic actuator with variation in relative permittivity as a function of voltage induced strain. Modified model is proposed to predict the behaviour of peristaltic actuators, best suited for biomedical applications to transport incompressible fluids. Transportation is accomplished by a series of radially expanding and axially inextensible tubular modules, made up of dielectric elastomer. Consecutive equations are derived using the hypothesis of linear elasticity. The static electromechanical actuation performance is estimated and compared well with existing experimental as well as modelling data. Results indicate an efficient model is attained by considering crucial material parameters that significantly influence electromechanical performance. In the highlight, many other behaviours like viscoelasticity, dielectric loss, breakdown strength, etc. need attention to realize a reliable model for dielectric elastomer actuator towards commercial applications.