Process Parameter Characterization of Dielectric Elastomer-Based Electro-Mechanical System

In recent times, dielectric elastomer-based electro-mechanical system is used widely as actuators and energy harvesters. The material property of elastomer is such that under linear actuations, it can undergo very large deformation. In order to demonstrate large demonstration in actuation, several challenges need to be met. These include the possibility of electro-mechanical instability or electric breakdown and loss of tension in the elastomeric film. In the current work, a material formulation of deformation of soft dielectric material is postulated. Thus, a mathematical model for deformation of dielectric elastomer is created to address processes involved in dielectric elastomer-based energy harvester. Further, the dielectric elastomer material response in tensile testing as well as dielectric permittivity of elastomeric material is evaluated experimentally. The current electro-mechanical model utilizes variation in geometry for change in capacitance which results in storage of more potential at output battery. Efforts are also applied on optimizing the energy harvesting to address various failure situations under electro-mechanical actuations