Visualization of generated stress distribution of dielectric elastomer actuator

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between the characteristics of a flexible electrode and a stress distribution. We used the high-speed polarization camera to visualize a generated stress distribution of a dielectric elastomer actuator during an actuation. Carbon nanotube and acrylic rubber were used to make a flexible electrode and an elastomer film, respectively. In this experiment, by comparing a stress distribution due to the electrode orientation, it was investigated how electrode orientation affect a stress distribution.