Nonlinear dynamics of the dielectric elastomer actuator

As potential material for artificial muscles and haptic displays, dielectric elastomer provides large deformations with lower cost and high efficiency. The material behaves nonlinearly in both the kinematics and the constitutive relation. In this work, the nonlinear equation of motion for a dielectric elastomer actuator with a sandwich structure under constant electric potential is derived from the energy conservation condition. The equation of motion is numerically solved, and the results are discussed. (© 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)