http://www.imechanica.org/node/7202 Comments for "Dielectric elastomers of interpenetrating networks" en http://www.imechanica.org/node/7202 <p>Recent experiments have shown that a voltage can induce a large deformation in an elastomer of interpenetrating networks. We describe a model of interpenetrating networks of long and short chains. As the voltage ramps up, the elastomer may undergo a snap-through instability. The network with long chains fills the space and keeps elastomer compliant at small to modest deformation. The network with short chains acts as a safety net that restrains the elastomer from thinning down excessively, averting electrical breakdown.&nbsp; It appears possible to find a dielectric elastomer capable of giant deformation of actuation.&nbsp; You can read the <a href="http://www.seas.harvard.edu/suo/papers/224.pdf">paper</a>, or take a look at the slides posted here.</p> <br class="clear" /> http://www.imechanica.org/node/7202#comments research dielectric elastomer slides soft active materials suo group research Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:43:55 -0500 Zhigang Suo 7202 at http://www.imechanica.org