Analytical modeling and optimization of DEAP-based multilayer stack-transducers

Transducers based on dielectric electroactive polymers (DEAP) use electrostatic pressure to convert electrical into mechanical energy or vice versa. To scale up the actuation or the energy gain, multilayer transducers like DEAP stack transducers are appropriate. Within this contribution, a model of such a stack transducer is derived and experimentally validated. The model is based on a multi-domain approach to describe the mechanical dynamics and the electrical behavior of the DEAP. Since these two domains influence each other they are coupled afterwards by a novel approach using interchanging power flows. To parametrize this model, tensile and compression tests for different polymer materials were performed under static and transient considerations. The results of these experiments show that the parameters obtained from the tensile test sufficiently describe the compression mode and can therefore be used for the model. Based on this transducer model the overall energy and the different parts of the multi-domain are analytically determined for arbitrary operating points. These expressions for the energies are finally used to optimize well-defined coupling coefficients, by which a maximum part of the electrical input energy is converted to mechanical energy, especially mechanical work.