Large deflection of a polyurethane elastomer under high electric field

Abstract

This research deals with large deflection of polyurethane elastomer under high electric field. By taking advantage of this phenomenon, a flexible actuator like artificial muscles is expectable. A bending actuator of cantilever type was considered and the governing equation was derived. The solution in static balance obtained analytically shows that the tip deflection is proportional to square of the applied voltage, which was verified by experiment.