Existing stretchable, transparent conductors are mostly electronic conductors. They limit the performance of interconnects, sensors, and actuators as components stretchable electronics soft machines. We describe a class devices enabled by ionic that highly fully to light all colors, capable operation at frequencies beyond 10 kilohertz voltages above kilovolts. demonstrate actuator can generate large strains loudspeaker produces sound over entire audible range. The electromechanical...

The dynamic performance of dielectric elastomer transducers and their capability electromechanical energy conversion are affected by dissipative processes, such as viscoelasticity, relaxation, current leakage. This paper describes a method to construct model elastomers on the basis nonequilibrium thermodynamics. We characterize state with kinematic variables through which external loads do work, internal that measure progress processes. is illustrated examples motivated existing experiments...

Far greater voltage-actuated deformation is achievable for a dielectric elastomer under equal-biaxial dead load than rigid constraint usually employed. Areal strains of 488% are demonstrated. The suppresses electric breakdown, enabling the to survive snap-through electromechanical instability. breakdown voltage found increase with ramp rate. A nonlinear model viscoelastic elastomers developed and shown be consistent experimental observations.

Sustainable natural rubber for soft generators opens up new possibilities harvesting renewable resources. With this technology, ocean wave energy could become a cheap and clean resource generation of electricity.

For many applications of dielectric elastomer actuators, it is desirable to replace the carbon-grease electrodes with stretchable, solid-state electrodes. Here, we attach thin layers a conducting silicone prestrained films an acrylic and achieve voltage-actuated areal strains over 70%. The influence stiffness prestrain studied experimentally theoretically.

Dielectric elastomer generators are high-energy-density electromechanical transducers. Their performance is affected by dissipative losses. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of dielectric generator with two processes: viscoelasticity and current leakage. Conversion cycles shown to attain steady-state after several cycles. Performance parameters such as electrical energy generated per cycle, average power, mechanical conversion efficiency introduced. Trade-offs between large power...

Abstract Rapid energy‐efficient movements are one of nature's greatest developments. Mechanisms like snap‐buckling allow plants the Venus flytrap to close terminal lobes their leaves at barely perceptible speed. Here, a soft balloon actuator is presented, which inspired by such mechanical instabilities and creates safe, giant, fast deformations. The basic design comprises two inflated elastomer membranes pneumatically coupled pressurized chamber suitable volume. high‐speed actuation rubber...

Abstract Transparency is a surprisingly effective method to achieve camouflage and has been widely adapted by natural animals. However, it challenging replicate in synthetic systems. Herein, transparent soft robot developed, which can camouflage. Specifically, this driven dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). Transparent stretchable conductive polymers, based on blends of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) water‐borne polyurethane (WPU), are employed as...

Hydrogels containing electrolyte can work as ionic conductors to actuate dielectric elastomer (DE) artificial muscles. Based on a popular design of circular actuator, we study theoretically and experimentally the cyclic performance acrylic DE actuators with solid hydrogel electrodes. The viscoelasticity electrodes constrains maximum strain that is attainable for one cycle triangular voltage, it also diminishes accumulated increment after many cycles loadings.

Dielectric elastomer actuators coupled with liquid have recently been developed as soft pumps, lenses, Braille displays, etc. In this paper, we investigate the performance of a dielectric actuator, which is water. The experiments demonstrate that membrane can achieve giant voltage-induced area strain 1165%, when subject to constant pressure. Both theory and experiment show pressure plays an important role in determining electromechanical behaviour. also suggest actuators, liquid, may suffer...

Existing stretchable capacitive sensor arrays face challenges in decoupling normal forces and stretch stimuli which restrict its applications into soft robotics. Herein, a metamaterial array with 6 × sensors is developed for the detection of on curved deforming surfaces common to both universal jamming gripper human elbow. The fabrication process involves 3D printing carbon black thermoplastic polyurethane (PI–ETPU) electrodes (TPU) insulation based commercially available multimaterial fused...

Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is a technology that combines the simplicity of IP routing with high-speed ATM. Mobile protocol allows users to move around and yet maintain continuous network connectivity. We propose scheme integrate mobile MPLS protocols. The integration improves scalability data forwarding process by leveraging on features which are fast switching, small state maintenance high scalability. In addition, we have removed need for IP-in-IP tunneling from home agent (HA)...

A duct silencer with tunable acoustic characteristics is presented in this paper. Dielectric elastomer, a smart material lightweight, high elastic energy density and large deformation under direct current/alternating current voltages, was used to fabricate silencer. The performances mechanisms of were experimentally investigated. It found that all the resonance peaks could be adjusted using external control signals without any additional mechanical part. physics mechanism further discussed...

Giant deformation of dielectric elastomers (DEs) via electromechanical instability (or the “snap-through” phenomenon) is a promising mechanism for large-volume fluid pumping. Snap-through DE membrane coupled with compressible air has been previously investigated. However, physics behind reversible snap-through diaphragm incompressible purpose pumping not well investigated, and conditions required in hydraulic system are unknown. In this study, we have proposed concept by harnessing...

A pressurized dielectric elastomer (DE) diaphragm under electrical actuation can experience snap-through large deformation due to electromechanical instability, which was shown be a promising mechanism for volume fluid pumping. However, in DE pump will not occur when the inlet pressure is small and cannot robustly utilized different applications. To solve this problem, study, we proposed dual-membrane design featuring an active membrane interacting with passive elastic membrane. This enabled...

In the nascent field of soft machines, materials are used to create devices that actuate robots, sense environment, monitor health, and harvest energy. The undergo large deformation in response external stimuli, often leading instability is usually undesirable but sometimes useful. Here, we study a dielectric elastomer membrane sandwiched between two conductors, rolled into hollow tube, pre-stretched hoop direction, fixed at ends tube rigid rings. This structure functions as an...

A membrane of a dielectric elastomer may undergo electromechanical phase transition from the flat to wrinkled state, when applied voltage reaches critical value. The region is observed expand at expense during transition. In this paper, we report on dynamic pattern wrinkles in circular elastomer. During transition, both and regions move interchangeably membrane. radial prestretch found significantly affect For example, with small can exhibit wrinkles, which essentially related snap-through...

Dielectric elastomers experience different modes of instability upon loss tension – buckling, wrinkling and crumpling, depending on the loading conditions.