Sara Thylander

An electromechanically coupled micro-sphere framework: application to the finite element analysis of electrostrictive polymers

The number of industrial applications of electroactive polymers (EAPs) is increasing and, consequently, the need for reliable modelling frameworks for such materials as well as related robust simulation techniques continuously increases. In this context, we combine the modelling of non-linear electroelasticity with a computational micro-sphere formulation in order to simulate the behaviour of EAPs. The micro-sphere approach in general enables the use of physics-based constitutive models like, for instance, the so-called worm-like chain model. By means of the micro-sphere formulation, scalar-valued micromechanical constitutive relations can conveniently be extended to a three-dimensional continuum setting. We discuss several electromechanically coupled numerical examples and make use of the finite element method to solve inhomogeneous boundary value problems. The incorporated material parameters are referred to experimental data for an electrostrictive polymer. The numerical examples show that the coupled micro-sphere formulation combined with the finite element method results in physically sound simulations that mimic the behaviour of an electrostrictive polymer.

A non-affine electro-viscoelastic microsphere model for dielectric elastomers: Application to VHB 4910 based actuators

Dielectric elastomers belong to a larger group of materials, the so-called electroactive polymers, which have the capability of transforming electric energy to mechanical energy through deformation. VHB 4910 is one of the most popular materials for applications of dielectric elastomers and therefore one of the most investigated. This paper includes a new micromechanically motivated constitutive model for dielectric elastomers that incorporates the nearly incompressible and viscous time-dependent behaviour often found in this type of material. A non-affine microsphere framework is used to transform the microscopic constitutive model to a macroscopic continuum counterpart. Furthermore the model is calibrated, through both homogeneous deformation examples and more complex finite element analysis, to VHB 4910. The model is able to capture both the purely elastic, the viscoelastic and the electro-viscoelastic properties of the elastomer and demonstrates the power and applicability of the electromechanically coupled microsphere framework.

Towards control of viscous effects in acrylic-based actuator applications

Dielectric elastomers offer clear advantages over more traditional and conventional materials when soft, lightweight, noiseless actuator applications with large deformations are considered. However, the viscous time-dependent behaviour associated with most elastomers limit the number of possible applications. For this purpose, the possibility of controlling the viscous response by regulating the applied electric potential is explored. The constitutive model chosen is calibrated to fit the electro-viscoelastic response of an acrylic elastomer often used in dielectric elastomer actuators. The response of both homogeneous deformation examples and inhomogeneous finite element boundary value problems, chosen to mimic existing applications, are presented. Control of both force and displacement quantities are successfully achieved.