The Use of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators for Prosthetic, Orthotic and Bio-Robotic Applications

Abstract

To characterize dielectric elastomer (DE) mechanically & electrically, several standard experimental tests like uniaxial tensile test, uniaxial compression test, and electrically actuated strain test on a commercially available acrylic dielectric elastomer film have been conducted. To characterize this visco-elastic material electro-mechanically, the uniaxial tensile (different stretch rates) test, and uniaxial compression test were performed on the Universal Testing Machine (UTM), whereas electrical actuation test has been conducted through a DC to high voltage DC convertor used to scaled-up the input voltage from 0-5 V to output of 0-10 kV. It is noticed that the ability of DE film to sustain the maximum load increases thereby increases the induced stresses also from their individual peak values from 0.16 N/mm2 to 0.35 N/mm2 by increasing the strain rate from 100 mm/min to 400 mm/min respectively. Results of tests have been discussed and compared with observations of various researches on skeletal muscles and suggested some recommendations on material selection for futuristic approach for mimicking skeletal muscle behaviour for bio-robotic applications made of this material.