Elastomer Transducers

Abstract

Dielectric elastomers, transducers that couple the deformation of a rubbery polymer film to an applied electric field, show particular promise with features such as simple fabrication in a variety of size scales, high strain and energy density, high efficiency and fast speed of response, and inherent flexibility, environmental tolerance, and ruggedness. A variety of actuator configurations has been demonstrated at various size scales including rolled “artificial muscle” actuators, framed and bending beam actuators for efficient opto-mechanical switches, and diaphragm and thickness-mode actuators for new types of motors, pumps, and valves. The performance benefits of dielectric elastomers can allow for new generations of devices in microrobotics, communications, biotechnology, aeronautics, and aerospace. Dielectric elastomer has also been shown to operate in reverse as a generator. It has several characteristics, making it potentially well suited for power takeoff systems using wave, water current, wind, human motion, etc.