Experimental Study and Numerical Modelling of Creep and Stress Relaxation of Dielectric Elastomers

• DOI: 10.1111/str.12117
• Publication Date: 2014-10-22T16:25:28Z
• Authors: R. Sahu; K. Patra; J. Szpunar
• Keywords: Stress relaxation

Abstract Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are gaining acceptance as potential actuator materials because of their exhibition a large amount deformation when stimulated by electrostatic forces. However, time‐dependent behaviour such creep and stress relaxation still pose great challenge for the design, modelling control DE‐based actuators. In this work, attempts made experimental estimation properties one most widely used dielectric acrylic elastomers, VHB 4910. Experimental investigation shows that material possesses strong relaxation. It has been shown characteristics vary with holding strain respectively. Creep also to depend on number cycles in case cyclic loading. Results show Findley's power law can successfully model 4910 elastomer.