Abstract
A bi-layer cantilever beam dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is developed by using fiber-stiffened active layer and flexible carbon conductive grease electrodes. When a voltage is applied through the thickness of the sheets, large actuation strains are achievable in the direction vertical to fiber axial direction. The fiber-stiffened elastomer actuator shows more stable and larger flexural deformation than the normal elastomer actuator. The curvature of the fiber-stiffened elastomer actuator is measured and can well be predicted by an electro-mechanical model. Moreover, the deformation of the new dielectric elastomer actuator can be controlled by the fibers compared to the dielectric elastomer actuator without fibers.
