Abstract
Operation of an actuator having a series tensile constitution of a planar type dielectric elastomer actuator and a spring was analyzed by taking viscosity of elastomer into consideration. It was found that the influence of the viscosity is reduced by applying a pre-stretching in the tensile direction. Furthermore, the pre-stretching conditions for achieving the largest operation strain and the largest generation force were obtained in cases with and without application of load. In addition, the number of lamination of the planar type DEA for satisfying target specifications about the maximum displacement and the maximum traction force was derived.
