Theoretical Modeling for Electroactive Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Actuation Systems

Abstract

An electroactive polymer-ceramic hybrid actuation system (HYBAS) was recently developed. The HYBAS demonstrates significantly-enhanced electromechanical performance by utilizing advantages of cooperative contributions of the electromechanical responses of an electrostrictive copolymer and an electroactive single crystal. The hybrid actuation system provides not only a new type of device but also a concept to utilize different electroactive materials in a cooperative and efficient method for optimized electromechanical performance. In order to develop an effective procedure to optimize the performance of a hybrid actuation system (HYBAS), a theoretical model has been developed, based on the elastic and electromechanical properties of the materials utilized in the system and on the configuration of the device. The model also evaluates performance optimization as a function of geometric parameters, including the length of the HYBAS and the thickness ratios of the constituent components. The comparison between the model and the experimental results shows a good agreement and validates the model as an effective method for the further development of high performance actuating devices or systems for various applications.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1115/imece2004-62491

Journal

Aerospace

Year

2004