Uniaxial fiber reinforced DEA fabrication

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) are devices designed to convert electric energy into mechanical work. However, the current actuator design will expand when actuated while muscles contract. Fiber reinforcement may allow for anisotropic movement, which could guide the actuation. This fiber reinforcement will mostly be studied for uniaxial fibers, meaning a restriction of the lateral movement, while allowing longitudinal displacement and eventually increasing it. The fibers are made out of PET sheets using laser engraving to guarantee dimensions and then glued on the DEA. Three main parameters have been tested: the width of the fibers, distance between fibers as well as their thickness. Mechanical tests were performed of samples made out of the dielectric and fibers only while electrical tests were performed on completed DEAs (dielectric with carbon electrodes). Results were analyzed using a design of experiments approach in order to identify the most important parameters and to allow for an optimal and repeatable fiber inclusion on DEAs. Several experiments have been performed on multiple samples of fiber reinforced dielectric sheets in order to improve the repeatability of the tests by looking for the best possible fabrication method. Thus removing uncertainties like fiber adhesion, slipping of the DEA inside the testing environment as well as other issues described in this report. Using a linear model with first order interactions, the results point to the width of fibers as the main parameter influencing displacement, encouraging thinner fiber design for better actuation. These tests are a first step at developing reliable fiber reinforced actuators to enhance movement along one desired direction.