Modeling of dielectric elastomer as electromechanical resonator

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) feature nonlinear dynamics resulting from an electromechanical coupling.

Under alternating voltage, the DE resonates with tunable performances. We present an

analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of a DE as electromechanical resonator (DEER) configured as a

pure shear actuator. A theoretical model is developed to characterize the complex performance

under different boundary conditions. Physical mechanisms are presented and discussed. Chaotic

behavior is also predicted, illustrating instabilities in the dynamics. The results provide a guide to

the design and application of DEER in haptic devices

Journal of Applied Physics, 116, 124509 (2014)

http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/jap/116/12/10.1063/1.4896584