Description
Hollow fiber dielectric elastomer actuators (HFDEAs) offer distinctive capabilities in soft robotics due to their unique structure and electromechanical performance. This research focuses on how specific design parameters, including the shape and material properties, such as the inner diameter and elasticity (Young's modulus), impact the electromechanical properties of HFDEAs. These parameters were chosen due to their measurable influence on actuator performance and their relative simplicity for experimental verification. By employing finite element method simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics, we explored the interplay between electrical and mechanical forces within the actuators. We found that differences in surface charge density between the external and internal electrodes not only cause the actuators to stretch but also to widen, a characteristic effect of the hollow fiber structures. Additionally, our simulations offer insights into the actuator's holding force-a metric traditionally difficult to quantify-highlighting how strategic parameter tuning can significantly boost performance. Ultimately, our findings pave the way for a systematic design strategy for HFDEAs, combining experimental insights with computational predictions to optimize the designs. Keywords: Dielectric Elastomer Actuators, Finite Element Method, Electro-Mechanical Modeling, Hollow Fiber Dielectric Elastomer Actuators.Period | 10 Jun 2024 → 13 Jun 2024 |
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Held at | Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Germany |