A dielectric elastomer actuator thin membrane rotary motor

Iain A. Anderson; Emilio P. Calius; Todd Gisby; Thom Hale; Thomas McKay; Benjamin O'Brien; Scott Walbran

doi:10.1117/12.815823

6 April 2009 A dielectric elastomer actuator thin membrane rotary motor

Iain A. Anderson, Emilio P. Calius, Todd Gisby, Thom Hale, Thomas McKay, Benjamin O'Brien, Scott Walbran

Proceedings Volume 7287, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2009; 72871H (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.815823
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe a low profile and lightweight membrane rotary motor based on the dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). In this motor phased actuation of electroded sectors of the motor membrane imparts orbital motion to a central gear that meshes with the rotor. Two motors were fabricated: a three phase and four phase with three electroded sectors (120°/sector) and four sectors (90°/sector) respectively. Square segments of 3M VHB4905 tape were stretched equibiaxially to 16 times their original area and each was attached to a rigid circular frame. Electroded sectors were actuated with square wave voltages up to 2.5kV. Torque/power characteristics were measured. Contactless orbiter displacements, measured with the rotor removed, were compared with simulation data calculated using a finite element model. A measured specific power of approximately 8mW/g (based on the DEA membrane weight), on one motor compares well with another motor technology. When the mass of the frame was included a peak specific power of 0.022mW/g was calculated. We expect that motor performance can be substantially improved by using a multilayer DEA configuration, enabling the delivery of direct drive high torques at low speeds for a range of applications. The motor is inherently scalable, flexible, flat, silent in operation, amenable to deposition-based manufacturing approaches, and uses relatively inexpensive materials.

Citation Download Citation

Iain A. Anderson, Emilio P. Calius, Todd Gisby, Thom Hale, Thomas McKay, Benjamin O'Brien, and Scott Walbran "A dielectric elastomer actuator thin membrane rotary motor", Proc. SPIE 7287, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2009, 72871H (6 April 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.815823

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available