Extension limit, polarization saturation, and snap-through instability of dielectric elastomers

Abstract

A dielectric elastomer is capable of large voltage-induced deformation, particularly when the voltage is applied on the verge of snap-through instability. A model is described which shows that the snap-through instability is markedly affected by both the extension limit of polymer chains and the polarization saturation of dipoles. The model may guide the search for high-performance dielectric elastomer transducers. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.