Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Dielectric Elastomer Unimorph Cantilever

Abstract

Unimorph cantilever is widely used in many applications with its bending and tip-deflection. In this paper, a model of the cantilever with the applied voltage and tip-deflection is presented. With the use of this model, a prototype, fabricated by VHB and polycarbonate, is estimated for its bending tip-deflection under a high voltage. And the experiment system is established with a signal generator, high voltage amplifier and laser displacement meter. The experimental results and the theoretical ones are both the same. The conclusions in this paper can be used to make further research on the deformation control of structures.