ABSTRACT
Smart or adaptive structures are a class of advanced structures with integrated sensors, actuators, and controls which allow it to adaptively change or respond to external conditions. Dielectric elastomers are insulating, rubber-like structures, capable of undergoing reversible length change to a large extent and produce usable works. A dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) works like an electrical motor by virtue of linear motion rather than rotation. Dielectric elastomer films can be fabricated by conventional polymer-processing techniques, e.g., spin coating or casting, and the electrodes are then created on top of the film on both sides via spraying, sputter coating, screen printing, or photolithography. Diaphragm type of actuators is made with a prestrained dielectric elastomer film placed over an opening of a rigid frame. Rolled DEAs, also called spring rolls, are prepared by rolling up two layers of dielectric elastomer sheet laminated on both sides with flexible electrodes into the form of a compact cylinder.
