Application Cases

With the progressive development of human production capabilities, there is a continuous search for newer and better materials to enhance the performance of existing machinery. Traditional mechanical systems employ metallic structures to improve strength and durability. However, in specific application scenarios, high-hardness metallic materials can反而 cause operational issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel materials that can integrate with metallic materials to enhance overall mechanical performance. As a typical new intelligent soft material, dielectric elastomers—a novel electroactive polymer smart material—have gradually come into focus.

Dielectric elastomer materials, as electroactive polymer composites, possess the characteristic of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Under an electric field, they exhibit numerous excellent properties, making them highly suitable for integration with traditional mechanical structures. To date, various dielectric elastomer actuators have demonstrated significant development potential and promising application prospects in fields such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and biochemical medicine.

Aigtek's ATA-7050 high-voltage amplifier is widely used in the fields of dielectric elastomers and electrostriction. The ATA-7000 series high-voltage amplifiers can output voltages up to 20 kVpp, meeting the testing requirements for most dielectric elastomers.

Experiment Name: Electrically Induced Strain Testing of Three-Dimensional Silicone Rubber Dielectric Elastomer

Experimental Principle: After applying, evaporating, or sputtering capacitive electrodes onto the upper and lower surfaces of the dielectric elastomer, a high-voltage electric field is applied across the electrodes. The electrostatic attraction between opposite charges on the two electrodes compresses the elastomer film in the thickness direction, while the electrostatic repulsion between like charges on the same electrode expands the film in the planar direction. As a result, the elastomer contracts in thickness and expands in area. Upon removal of the voltage, the elastomer film returns to its original shape.

Experimental Block Diagram:

Experimental Setup Photo:

Figure: Silicone Rubber Dielectric Elastomer Material Expansion and Contraction Control System

Experimental Process: A computer is used to edit arbitrary waveforms, which are output by a function generator. The signals are amplified by a high-voltage amplifier to 2 kVp-10 kVp, driving the silicone rubber (dielectric elastomer) material to expand and contract. A laser sensor captures the waveform of the material's expansion and contraction amplitude, and the motion waveform is transmitted via cables to the computer. Using computer software, the input signal waveform and the expansion/contraction amplitude waveform can be observed, allowing for data comparison between the two.

Experimental Results: Clear periodic expansion and contraction of the material can be observed. The output waveform and the expansion/contraction amplitude waveform displayed on the computer are completely consistent.

Role of the Power Amplifier: As the core component of the entire experiment, the power amplifier provides high-stability, low-distortion AC voltage ranging from 2 kV to 10 kV to control the contraction and expansion of the dielectric elastomer.

Recommended Power Amplifier: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications

Application Fields: Industry, Aerospace, Machinery, Medical, Microelectromechanical Systems

Application Scenarios: Biorobotics, Bionic Prosthetics, Robotic Arms, Medical Machinery, Bionic Aircraft

This document has been compiled by Aigtek. For more application cases and detailed product information, please stay tuned. Xi'an Aigtek Electronics has become a large-scale instrument and equipment supplier with an extensive product line in the industry. Demo units are available for free trial.