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

作为智能材料的一个家族，介电弹性体（DE）由于其独特的性能，特别是大变形能力，在基于软材料的换能技术中受到越来越多的关注。更好地利用这些新材料需要更多地了解控制其微妙的多物理耦合机制的基本原理。 本研究旨在探讨微分方程在振荡器、发生器及波导等方面的应用。然而，动态分析的非线性变形的DE是非常有限的，特别是当涉及到他们的固有粘弹性。 因此，所提出的研究的目标是开发严格的建模和仿真方法，通过机电耦合，材料粘弹性，不稳定性，几何非线性和各种故障模式的DE之间的复杂的相互作用的深入了解，表征机电动力学的DE为基础的结构。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的亚结构，具有理想的性能，可以通过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;以及（ii）可调谐波导应用中DE中的波传播研究。*** 虽然有限电弹性理论已经得到了很好的发展，但机电动力学与非线性粘弹性耦合的研究课题仍处于起步阶段。该计划的一个重要方面是其目的是缩小这种知识差距。所提出的理论和数值方法有望为精确表征粘弹性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控制设计。*** 这个创新的研究计划将充分利用申请人在多物理建模，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，包括表征材料特性的建模开发和数值模拟，以及新先进材料的设计方法。我们非常乐观地认为，该计划的成果将为建立行业合作和提供新的就业机会提供巨大的机会。该计划的成功完成将极大地有利于加拿大的先进材料和换能技术部门。此外，这项前沿工作也将提高加拿大在全球学术界的形象。

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.**