Abstract
Dielectric elastomers provide large, fast, and reversible deformations which can be harnessed to provide predefined sophisticated actuation deformations. This paper describes a method, fabrication technique and analysis tools for morphing flat sheets of dielectric elastomers into conical shapes upon applying a voltage, using a set of concentric, stiff rings that are 3D-printed onto a multilayer elastomer sheet. A finite elements user-subroutine and a simple analytical model are developed to predict the actuation profile, both showing excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. The actuation force of the dielectric elastomer actuator is measured as a function of the applied voltage and displacement and estimated using the analytical and numerical models. Finally, a few examples of dielectric elastomers with other designs of the 3D-printed stiffening elements and their actuation shapes are demonstrated.
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