Abstract
As can be seen from the large number of videos of home-made dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) on YouTube, getting started making DEAs is straightforward and can be done at low cost. This chapter provides information on making two types of basic dielectric elastomer actuators, as well as detailed information on using DE for energy harvesting (converting mechanical energy into electrical energy).
A word of caution about high voltages: Voltages of several thousand volts are required to operate DEAs. The user must therefore exercise caution to avoid electrocution or electrical fires. In addition to taking steps to limit the current delivered by the power supply in the event of a short circuit or of accidental contact, one must also keep in mind that a DEA is a large capacitor capable of storing very large electrical charge, which means that even a “human-safe” current-limited power supply can expose the user to lethal shocks. Arcing in air can easily occur, and short-circuits through the thin membrane are common, linking the high-voltage side to the low-voltage side. Do not use high-voltage circuits unless you have appropriate safety training and experience, as they can be dangerous.
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Shea, H., Koh, S.J.A., Graz, I., Shintake, J. (2016). Dielectric Elastomers as EAPs: How to Start Experimenting with Them. In: Carpi, F. (eds) Electromechanically Active Polymers. Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31530-0_34
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31530-0_34
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