Design principles for a single-process 3D-printed stacked dielectric actuators — Theory and experiment

Fully 3D-printed smart structures have attracted a lot of research interest; new technologies, materials, and methods for functional such as sensors, actuators, generators, batteries are being researched. Recently, fully 3D-printed, dynamic dielectric actuator fabricated in single process with multi-material thermoplastic filament extrusion was presented. However, the effects design parameters on electromechanical properties printed were not yet To achieve required performance an individualized, actuator, must be related to theoretical parameters. This requires into materials modeling actuator. In this research, analytical, model is introduced, consisting electrical mechanical models, coupling. The consists basic lumped elements, which facilitates reproducibility extensibility model. been experimentally validated free-displacement blocked-force boundary condition. leads identification principles ability customize adapt actuators specific applications.