Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that fiber-reinforced tubular dielectric elastomer actuators (TDEAs) exhibit unique characteristics, such as coupled deformation. Therefore, the present study focuses on the electromechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced TDEAs and analyzes induced coupled bending–twisting deformation analytically and numerically. An analytical framework is derived from the Helmholtz free energy of the system and, using the variation method, leads to equilibrium equations. Despite the limitation of homogeneous deformation, the results indicate relevant facts about the electromechanical behavior and stability of the considered TDEA. On the other hand, a numerical method is devised based on the nonlinear continuum, electro-elasticity, and large deformation theory. The resultant model and presented tangent modulus are validated using experimental data. The model makes it possible to develop a FEM algorithm and explore the behavior of the TDEA under various loading and boundary conditions. For example, the current paper presents the final deformation of a fiber-reinforced TDEA under internal pressure, axial force, and torque. It also explores the bending deformation of a designed tubular bending actuator using numerical analysis and the developed model. Analytical and numerical results share similar trends in longitudinal, radial, and torsional deformations before instability. It is also evident that for voltages higher than the critical voltage, when instability is detected, fiber orientation may cause more significant effects. Analytical and numerical findings confirm coupled deformations in different directions.
Published Version
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