On Maxwell stress and its relationship with the dielectric constant in the actuation of ionic polymer metal composites

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are unique electroactive polymers that show promise as actuators in soft robotics and biomedical applications. The modeling numerical simulation of the behavior these materials significantly complicated by nature underlying electrochemical phenomena, which occur nanometer-thick layers proximity electrodes. Hence, dielectric constant IPMCs is often rescaled to help numerically resolve electric double layers. However, effect such a rescaling on IPMC actuation has never been systematically assessed. Motivated recent efforts Maxwell stress, we put forward physically based analysis role actuation. We demonstrate an increase decreases magnitude field during actuation, due widening decrease intensity perfectly balances scaling stress independent constant. bending moment generated increases with constant, since thickness where relevant larger. same common all moments associated electrochemistry, so relative importance each term does not depend This study contributes important can support feasible faithful implementations theories mechanics electrochemistry.