Converse Flexoelectric Actuation of Dielectric Elastomeric Structures

Abstract

Converse flexoelectricity refers to the inverse of the flexoelectric effect, wherein an applied electric polarization or polarization gradient—generated through electric field non-uniformity or material anisotropy—induces compensating dipole moments. These moments stimulate mechanical deformation, thereby enabling actuation. This mechanism benefits from size dependence, compatibility with diverse dielectric materials, and opportunities for geometric and mechanical design. In this work, we investigate the converse flexoelectric effect in non-piezoelectric dielectric elastomers, using electric field non-uniformity to impose the polarization gradient. We explore how actuation performance relates to size dependence and geometric structures, confirming that flexoelectric actuation becomes dominant at small geometric scales. This study contributes to the development of flexoelectric actuation strategies by emphasizing the importance of geometry and structural design at small scales, as in MEMS and bio-engineering applications.