Helical dielectric elastomer actuators

This paper presents a new type of contractile polymer-based electromechanical linear actuator. The device belongs to the class of dielectric elastomer actuators, which are typically capable of undergoing large deformations induced by an applied electric field. It is based on a novel helical configuration, suitable for the generation of electrically driven axial contractions and radial expansions. The architecture, the principle of operation, a fabrication method and results of a preliminary prototype testing of the new device are described. An axial strain of -5% at about 14 V mu m(-1) was obtained from first prototypes.