Dielectric Elastomer Actuators - Enabling Applications
Organized by
Dr. Guggi Kofod and Dr. Gabor Kovacs
(University of Potsdam) (EMPA, Switzerland)
Background: Dielectric elastomer actuators can undergo large and fast actuation under application of a voltage. The effect can be found in any soft solid dielectric; so far attention has been focussed on gels and elastomers. The major obstacles for most applications are found in the relatively high operating voltages (> 1-2 kV) and in problems with reliability. Workers are seeking to solve these problems with improved materials and processing.
Workshop: The aim is to bring together leaders in dielectric elastomer actuator research and application. The main problems and possible solutions will be identified via open discussions. Participants will learn about and discuss how to:
- obtain high actuation strain with high efficiency, low voltage, practical reaction time and precise control.
- combine low operating voltage, high breakdown strength, high dielectric permittivity, very low elastic modulus, good compliant electrodes, and excellent mechanical and electrical durability in one and the same soft dielectric material system.
Format: The workshop will be organised as a morning and an afternoon session. Each session will begin with a series of talks, followed by an open-floor discussion.
Morning - Voltage, optimized actuation, driving and control systems
We will discuss immediate issues concerning applications of dielectric elastomer actuators. A number of issues are known which often lead end users (industry) to reject the technology all together. In this session, we will define the main issues, and discuss how with a materials research effort combined with proper manufacturing and suitable electronics, these actuators can find mainstream usage.
- low voltage actuation (<1kV)
- feasible actuation strains
- actuation frequency (reaction time) limitation
- actuation under variable temperature
- practical measures of efficiency
- control systems
- energy harvesting
A discussion of how new materials can be properly and accurately investigated for DEA applications (standardized procedure) will also take place.
Afternoon - Lifetime, reliability, fault tolerance and fatigue mechanisms
Experiments have shown that millions of actuation cycles can be achieved with dielectric elastomer actuators. What are the conditions to achieve this reliability? Some applications would require only a few cycles, while others would require billions of cycles under varying ambient conditions. Can actuator reliability ever aspire to meet such requirements?
- lifetime
- mechanical fatigue
- electrical aging
- failure mechanism identification
- leading failure mechanisms
- quality assessment of dielectric films
- self-healing / self-clearing
Questions of process technology and corresponding costs will be discussed.
The detailed time schedule
9:00 Registration begins
9:50 Opening of Workshop, Welcome address
10:00 – 10:30 Basics of actuation in Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (G. Kofod)
10:30 – 11:30 Applications, geometries, properties and demands (G. Kovacs)
11:30 – 12:00 Controlling / Sensing (H. Schlaak)
12:00 – 13:00 Further applications / Energy harvesting (R. Kornbluh)
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 14:30 Improvement of materials (G. Kofod)
14:30 – 15:00 Bayer Materials Science / AMI
15:00 – 15:30 Processing (G. Kovacs)
15:30 – 16:00 Danfoss PolyPower
16:00 – 16:30 Special applications (S. Bauer)
16:30 – 17:00 Forum
17:00 End of DEA2010 Workshop
The address of the workshop is: University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, House 8, Room 0.64
Practical information
The workshop requires prior registration. The link will open in a new window
Price: 60 € for academic participants/ 120 € for industry participants.
Sandwiches and refreshments are included in the workshop registration fee.
Information about hotels in Potsdam can be found on this page
(note: the reduced rates
are valid for IEEE-ICSD 2010 conference participants only).
Public transportation in Berlin
Download Workshop flyer: in low quality (small file) or high-quality print version (larger file)
This event is affiliated with "European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles"
