Nonlinear Dynamics of Soft Electro-Active Materials Under AC Voltages

Nonlinear Dynamics of Soft Electro-Active Materials Under AC Voltages

    Presenter(s)

    Nathan Benham

    Comments

    1:40-2:00, Kennedy Union 310

    Description

    Dielectric elastomers are a compelling class of electro-active materials that show great promise for large-deformation actuation, sensing, and energy-generation applications. In a recent series of papers, the faculty mentor and coworkers developed analytical models to explore the quasi-static and dynamic response of circular dielectric elastomer membranes to DC (constant) and AC (time-varying) voltages, respectively. These models led to the uncovering of rich and atypical nonlinear dynamic behavior not previously reported in the literature. However, these novel findings have yet to be experimentally verified. Thus, the goal of this Honors Thesis is to (a) develop an experimental setup for electro-mechanically testing circular dielectric elastomer membranes under AC and DC voltages, and (b) deploy it to investigate three key questions: (1) How significant is the influence of constitutive model calibration on the predicted quasi-static (DC) voltage-stretch response? (2a) Can AC voltage pulses be leveraged to achieve large stable stretches without dielectric breakdown? (2b) Can proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control be leveraged to tune AC voltage waveforms to achieve moderate-to-large unstable stretches without dielectric breakdown? The results of this research are expected to advance the understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of soft electroactive materials. If successful, this research could impact the design of actuators, sensors, and isolators used in robotics, measurements, and vibration control.

    Publication Date

    4-23-2025

    Project Designation

    Honors Thesis

    Primary Advisor

    Robert L. Lowe

    Primary Advisor's Department

    Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

    Keywords

    Stander Symposium, School of Engineering

    Institutional Learning Goals

    Scholarship; Practical Wisdom

    Nonlinear Dynamics of Soft Electro-Active Materials Under AC Voltages

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