Dynamic Modelling and Control of a Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with Two Degrees of Freedom

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer actuators are capable of creating multi degrees of freedom in a single joint. In this paper, a double-cone dielectric elastomer actuator is assumed as a planar joint with two degrees of freedom. Because of theoretical complexities, mathematical formulation of dynamic equations is too complicated. To obtain the dynamic equations of motion, at first, experimental charts are used. At this stage forms of relations between displacements, voltages, forces and moments are proposed, and coefficients are optimized to keep the difference between experimental and estimated charts in minimum. Then dynamic equations of motion are derived based on Newton-Euler method, and state-space form of equations of the joint are obtained. As a second objective, joint stabilization around working point is considered. To stabilize the joint against external loads, or initial dislocations, a regulator controller is designed. The joint is over actuated. So using constraint equations, control rule is extracted and simulated. Simulations show successful performance around the working point.