Abstract
A systematic, statistical-mechanics-based analysis of the response of dielectric elastomers to coupled electromechanical loading is conducted, starting from the monomer level through the polymer chain and ending with closed-form expressions for the polarization and stress fields. It is found that the apparent response at the macrolevel is dictated by four microscopic parameters - the monomer type and polarizability and the chain length and density. Our analysis further reveals a new electrostrictive effect that either reinforces or opposes the polarization-induced deformation. The validity of the results is attested through comparisons with well-established experimental measurements of both the polarization field and the electrostrictive stress.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 208303 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 116 |
Issue number | 20 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 20 May 2016 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy