Design of a rotary dielectric elastomer actuator using a topology optimization method based on pairs of curves. (20th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Nianfeng; Guo, Hao; Chen, Bicheng; Cui, Chaoyu; Zhang, Xianmin
• Is Part Of: Smart materials and structures. Volume 27:Number 5(2018:May)
• Publication Date: 2018-04-20
• Subjects: dielectric elastomer actuator -- topology optimization -- pairs of curves; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Strucural design -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-665X/aab991
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-1726

Abstract

Abstract: Dielectric elastomers (DE), known as electromechanical transducers, have been widely used in the field of sensors, generators, actuators and energy harvesting for decades. A large number of DE actuators including bending actuators, linear actuators and rotational actuators have been designed utilizing an experience design method. This paper proposes a new method for the design of DE actuators by using a topology optimization method based on pairs of curves. First, theoretical modeling and optimization design are discussed, after which a rotary dielectric elastomer actuator has been designed using this optimization method. Finally, experiments and comparisons between several DE actuators have been made to verify the optimized result.