Application Cases

Application of High-Voltage Amplifiers in Dielectric Elastomer (DE) Actuator Verification Experiments

With the advancement of the aerospace industry, there is an urgent demand for high-precision large-scale space structures. Deployable satellite reflectors, as core components of space antennas, rely heavily on surface accuracy for high-resolution Earth observation. However, in-orbit shape control and measurement of thin-film space structures pose significant challenges. In terms of control, various methods such as temperature gradients, boundary constraints, tension cables, and voltage-based approaches have been studied. Among these, PVDF piezoelectric actuators leverage the inverse piezoelectric effect to achieve active control of thin films, and related control strategies have been explored. However, research on in-orbit shape observation technology remains scarce. Therefore, thin-film actuators with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities offer a promising new solution to this challenge.

Experimental Name: DE Actuator Verification Experiment

Experimental Principle:
Based on the electromechanical coupling characteristics of dielectric elastomers (DE), a dynamic equation incorporating hyperelasticity and viscoelasticity is established. The Ogden hyperelastic model is used to characterize the material's constitutive relationship, while a viscoelastic model is introduced to refine dynamic behavior. The nonlinear differential equations are solved using the Newmark-β integration algorithm. Key parameters such as spring stiffness, dielectric constant, and viscoelastic coefficients are identified through experimental data to validate model accuracy.

Additionally, the force equilibrium relationship between the DE actuator and the thin-film structure is analyzed. The sensing function locates the equilibrium positions before and after film deformation to calculate the required driving voltage. By iteratively adjusting the input voltage, the active deformation capability of the DE actuator is utilized to correct the film shape until the target position is restored, thereby verifying the effectiveness of the integrated sensing-actuation control.

Experimental Block Diagram:

Experimental Setup Photo:

Experimental Procedure:
An experimental platform comprising a function generator, voltage amplifier, laser displacement sensor, and data acquisition multimeter was assembled. The stiffness coefficient was determined by fitting the force-displacement curve obtained from a quasi-static tensile test. The material constitutive parameters were identified by measuring the force-displacement curve of the DE film under no voltage. The relative dielectric constant was calculated by applying different voltages and measuring the reaction force. Viscoelastic parameters were identified by comparing force-displacement curves under different stretching rates.

Sinusoidal waves, step voltages, and frequency sweep tests were applied to compare experimental and simulated displacement responses, validating model accuracy and determining the actuator bandwidth.

An experimental platform including an electronic universal testing machine, laser displacement sensor, DE actuator, and polyimide film was constructed, with the DE actuator connected to the film via thin cables. The initial equilibrium position of the film and the corresponding DE impedance were recorded. A concentrated load was applied to locate the deformed equilibrium position and calculate tension. Based on the force equilibrium equation, the required driving voltage was computed and applied. The sensing function was used to assess position deviation, and the voltage was iteratively adjusted until the film returned to its initial shape. Additional verification of multi-DE actuator array control feasibility was also conducted.

Application Fields:

• In-orbit shape measurement and active control of high-precision space thin-film antennas for deep space exploration, Earth observation, and high-throughput communication.

• Intelligent actuators such as flexible pumps, soft valves, soft robotics, and artificial muscles.

• Micro-displacement sensing.

Product Recommendation: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier

Figure: ATA-7000 Series High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications and Parameters

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