Abstract
Dielectric elastomer deforms in terms of area expansion under a voltage. The large and quick strain in dielectric elastomer features promising applications in soft robotics. This chapter introduces the characteristics of dielectric elastomer in physics as well as the performance of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). Mechanism of actuation is explained, and a free energy model of DEA is established for characterization. A specific nonlinear mechanical behavior, “strain-stiffening,” is highlighted and is then incorporated in the harnessing of snap-through instability. By harnessing the instability, DEA is capable of new performance in actuation which further broadens its applications in functional surface and muscle-like actuator.
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