Abstract:
Dielectric elastomers actuators (DEA) are commonly known as artificial muscles due to their muscle-like characteristics. With qualities such as high actuation deformation, fast response, low cost, and soft and silent operation, these devices promise an array of advantages for pumping. With a major historical influence of VHB in dielectric elastomer pump (DEP) designs, little focus has been directed at more reliable materials, such as silicone elastomers, and the use of conical DEA driven pumps. A novel silicone elastomer DEP design is therefore proposed with consideration towards integrating a dielectric elastomer oscillator (DEO) to eliminate driver electronics. This design consists of serially connecting three double cone actuators with valves located at the inner disks. Prototypes were formulated from the analytical and numerical modelling approach. ABAQUS was used to describe the results of the numerical modelling. Laser displacement testing followed on single-double cone actuators to quantify the actuation potential of the proposed design. After completion of the displacement testing, the double cone actuators were tested with water to determine the feasibility of the design. With 0.33 Hz 3500V and 0.2 Hz 4000V square wave signals supplied to the actuator, volumetric rates of 21.21 mm3/s and 58 mm3/s were achieved, respectively, confirming the feasibility of this design. Future work involves assembling, modelling and testing three of the double cone units, in order to fulfil the design.