A Study on Dynamic Performance of Dielectric Elastomer-based Structures for Electromechanical Transducer and Waveguide Applications

用于机电换能器和波导应用的介电弹性体结构的动态性能研究

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-04728
• 负责人: Jiang, Liying
• 金额: $ 2.77万
• 依托单位: University of Western Ontario
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2016-01-01 至 2017-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=615266
• 关键词: Study; Dynamic; Performance; Dielectric; Elastomer

As a family of smart materials, dielectric elastomers (DEs) have received growing interest in soft material-based transduction technologies due to their unique properties, particularly large deformation capability. Better exploitation of these novel materials requires increased understanding on the fundamentals governing their delicate multi-physics coupling mechanisms. This research aims at the applications of DEs as oscillators, generators and waveguides. However, dynamic analysis on finitely deformed DEs is very limited, particularly when involving their intrinsic viscoelasticity. Therefore, the objective of the proposed research is to develop rigorous modeling and simulation approaches for characterizing the electromechanical dynamics of DE-based structures through a thorough understanding of the complex interplay among electromechanical coupling, material viscoelasticity, instability, geometric nonlinearity, and various failure modes of DEs. The grand vision of this research is to develop multi-functional DE-based devices and DE-based metastructures with desirable properties that could be actively and intentionally controlled by electrical stimuli. This long-term goal will be realized through fundamental studies in two themes: (i) performance analysis and prototype development of DE-based oscillators/resonators and generators; and (ii) investigation on wave propagation in DEs for tunable waveguide applications. Whereas the theories of finite electroelasticity have been well developed, the research subject coupling electromechanical dynamics and nonlinear viscoelasticity is still in its infancy. An important aspect of this program is its aim to close such a knowledge gap. The proposed theoretical and numerical approaches are expected to provide a rigorous platform for accurately characterizing the dynamic performance of viscoelastic DE structures, leading to better and controlled designs for these smart materials in the dynamics applications. This innovative research program will take full advantage of the applicant's expertise in multi-physics modeling, continuum mechanics, and composites, as well as dynamic analysis of structures. The training through this program will equip the HQP with extensive experiences and skills in the areas of smart materials and transduction technologies, including modeling development and numerical simulation in characterizing material properties, as well as design methodology of new advanced materials. We are very optimistic that the outcomes from this program will nurture great opportunities to establish industrial collaborations and provide new job opportunities. The successful completion of this program will greatly benefit the advanced materials and transduction technology sectors of Canada. In addition, this frontier work will also enhance Canada’s profile in the global academic community.

介电弹性体(DES)作为一类智能材料，由于其独特的性能，特别是大变形能力，在基于软质材料的换能技术中受到了越来越多的关注。要更好地开发这些新材料，需要对其微妙的多物理耦合机制的基本原理有更多的了解。 本研究针对DES作为振荡器、产生器和波导器的应用。然而，有限变形DES的动力分析是非常有限的，特别是当涉及到它们的固有粘弹性时。因此，这项研究的目标是通过深入了解机电耦合、材料粘弹性、不稳定性、几何非线性和DES的各种失效模式之间的复杂相互作用，开发严格的建模和仿真方法来表征基于DES的结构的机电动力学。这项研究的宏伟愿景是开发多功能的基于DE的设备和基于DE的元结构，这些设备和元结构具有理想的性能，可以被电刺激主动和有意地控制。这一长期目标将通过两个主题的基础研究来实现：(I)基于DE的振荡器/谐振器和发生器的性能分析和原型开发；(Ii)用于可调谐波导应用的DES中的波传播的研究。 虽然有限电弹性理论已经比较成熟，但机电动力学与非线性粘弹性的耦合研究还处于起步阶段。这一计划的一个重要方面是它的目标是缩小这样的知识差距。所提出的理论和数值方法有望为准确表征粘弹性DE结构的动态性能提供一个严格的平台，从而为这些智能材料在动力学应用中提供更好的可控设计。 这一创新的研究项目将充分利用申请者在多物理建模、连续介质力学和复合材料以及结构动态分析方面的专业知识。通过该计划的培训将使HQP在智能材料和传感技术领域拥有丰富的经验和技能，包括在表征材料特性方面的建模开发和数值模拟，以及新的先进材料的设计方法。我们非常乐观地认为，该计划的结果将培育建立行业合作的巨大机会，并提供新的就业机会。该项目的成功完成将极大地惠及加拿大的先进材料和传感技术部门。此外，这项前沿工作还将提升加拿大在全球学术界的形象。