Download Determining the fatigue properties of dielectric elastomers (DEs)

Research Student Project
Supervisor name & contact details:
Prof. Steve Jerrams / Dr Tony Betts
School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical
Sciences
Email [email protected]
[email protected]
Weblink (if available)
Research Centre Name and Website (if
applicable)
Centre for Elastomer Research (CER)
Please indicate if the intention is to transfer
from the Masters programme to the PhD
programme (if applicable)
Yes 
Please indicate if the project is suitable for a
self-funded student
Yes 
Website is under reconfiguration
No
No
Funding Agency
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Scholarship Details
Please give details of student stipend and
research fees covered by the funding
Mechanical Engineering / Chemistry / Materials
Subject Area
Title of the Project
Determining the fatigue properties of dielectric
elastomers (DEs) subjected to pre-stressing.
Project Description (max 300 words)
We are accustomed to seeing small devices actuated by smart materials conducting simple tasks
such as gripping, placing, switching etc. If Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are to be used in
switching/actuation devices, then establishing that they can accumulate a large number of cycles
and exhibit resilience is essential. CER has recently developed a new DE for such applications. The
material is a promising candidate for adoption in machines and instruments across a range of
industry sectors (aeronautical, automotive, medical etc.). The material comprises a silicone
rubber matrix containing embedded high dielectric strength particles coated with an organic film.
Results indicated that the material has a high dielectric constant and is capable of large equibiaxial area strains when subjected to a voltage through its thickness. New samples will be
designed and fabricated for use in a simple, but robust electromechanical rig to evaluate the
materials’ electromechanical properties. They will be pre-stretched equi-biaxially, allowing higher
strains to be achieved whilst eliminating electromechanical instability (EMI). Thereafter, the
samples will be subjected to low frequency (1 Hz) on/off cycles for a range of voltages. Using
specially designed equipment to collect data from these tests, S/N (Wöhler) curves will be
produced for a range of voltages. This will enable determination of the new DE’s fatigue life
under realistic loading conditions.
Dependent on the outcome of the dynamic electromechanical test, either further development
of the rubber composite will be undertaken or the existing composite will be incorporated into a
demonstrator capable of showcasing its functionality and reliability to industry. The principle of
DE actuation is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Representation of a DE’s working principle: (a) no applied high voltage (HV);
(b) DE expansion in area under application of a HV.
Please indicate the student requirements for this project
Minimum of a 2.1 in a chemistry, physics, materials or mechanical engineering honours degree.
Deadline to submit applications (only for
funded projects)