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Characterization of the electromechanical properties of EAP materialsElectroactive polymers (EAP) are an emerging class of actuation materials. Their large electrically induced strains (longitudinal or bending), low density, mechanical flexibility, and ease of processing offer advantages over traditional electroactive materials. However, before the capability of these materials can be exploited, their electrical and mechanical behavior must be properly quantified. Two general types of EAP can be identified. The first type is ionic EAP, which requires relatively low voltages (<10V) to achieve large bending deflections. This class usually needs to be hydrated and electrochemical reactions may occur. The second type is Electronic-EAP and it involves electrostrictive and/or Maxwell stresses. This type of materials requires large electric fields (>100MV/m) to achieve longitudinal deformations at the range from 4 - 360%. Some of the difficulties in characterizing EAP include: nonlinear properties, large compliance (large mismatch with metal electrodes), nonhomogeneity resulting from processing, etc. To support the need for reliable data, the authors are developing characterization techniques to quantify the electroactive responses and material properties of EAP materials. The emphasis of the current study is on addressing electromechanical issues related to the ion-exchange type EAP also known as IPMC. The analysis, experiments and test results are discussed in this paper.
Document ID
20060044094
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Bar-Cohen, Yoseph
Sherrita, Stewart
Bhattachary, Kaushik
Lih, Shyh-Shiuh
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
March 5, 2001
Meeting Information
Meeting: 8th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: March 5, 2001
End Date: March 8, 2001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
actuators
electromechanical properties
characterization
electroactive polymers (EAP)
electroactive polymers
testing

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