Dielectric elastomers (DEs) feature nonlinear dynamics resulting from an electromechanical coupling.
Under alternating voltage, the DE resonates with tunable performances. We present an
analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of a DE as electromechanical resonator (DEER) configured as a
pure shear actuator. A theoretical model is developed to characterize the complex performance
under different boundary conditions. Physical mechanisms are presented and discussed. Chaotic
behavior is also predicted, illustrating instabilities in the dynamics. The results provide a guide to
the design and application of DEER in haptic devices
Journal of Applied Physics, 116, 124509 (2014)
http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/jap/116/12/10.1063/1.48965…