Researchers at NASA-LaRC have developed a hybrid actuation system (HYBAS) that cooperatively employs an electroactive polymer and an electrostrictive single crystal. Experimental measurements and theoretical model predictions have been in good agreement thus far. To date, current research has only explored the usage of one electroactive polymer and one electrostrictive single crystal. A computational model was created based on this theoretical model. It implements the equations necessary to predict the actuator displacement profile and maximum displacement. Among the model variables are the actuator material properties. Changing the actuator materials has notable effects on actuator performance. As many viable materials as could be found were compiled into a database which can serve as a building block upon which a larger database can be built. Using these materials, a trade study was performed to determine which combination of materials demonstrates the best performance. As more electroactive materials are compiled, more extensive trade studies can be performed. Thus, the work in this paper will serve as a guideline for future HYBAS designs.

Date Published: 6 April 2007
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 6529, Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2007, 652909 (6 April 2007); doi: 10.1117/12.715431

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6529:
Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2007
Masayoshi Tomizuka; Chung-Bang Yun; Victor Giurgiutiu, Editor(s)