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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