In this paper, results of the design, fabrication, and performance
evaluation of the fabricated diaphragm-type polymer
actuator using SPU were presented. In results, the effect that
SPU synthesis affects Young’s modulus and dielectric constant
can be illustrated. This paper also illustrates the relationship
between the elastic modulus and maximum deflection as a key
property of Maxwell stress effect and also presents the relationship
between the dielectric constant and maximum deflection as
a key property of electrostriction effect, especially in polymer
actuators using SPU.
The force measurement is performed by the direct measurement
using a load cell and the indirect load estimation using
the Rayleigh-ritz method using a fully clamped circular plate.
The measured force has been also compared with the calculated
result. In results, it can be identified that only mathematical analysis
has not been satisfied with the performance of the actuator.
The gap between calculated and measured data are somewhat
considerable and it can be explained by the electrostriction effect
under high voltage. Both can only explain the performance of
the polymer actuator.