Aktive Elastomerbauteile auf Basis Dielektrischer Elastomere

Passive elastomer components have proven their value for the specific influence of the dynamic behavior of machine and vehicle structures. The broad spectrum of available materials with a variety of different compliance and damping properties enables a tailored adjustment of such components to the particular application. With electroactive polymers (EAP), especially dielectric elastomers (DE), active elastomer components can be realized, allowing the integration of adaptive and active functionalities. In this way the mechanical properties of the elastomer components can be changed under operating conditions by electrical stimulation. If necessary, active forces can additionally be introduced. New concepts for the optimization of the dynamic and acoustic behavior of technical systems are thereby available which can, depending on the application, increase the power, the comfort or the lifetime. A new concept developed at the Fraunhofer LBF allows dielectric elastomer components to be integrated especially efficiently as load-bearing components within technical structures. They can additionally serve as sensor and actuator. The concept is based on perforated, metal electrodes with a high electric conductivity. Therefore it can be used for highly dynamic and acoustic applications that are typically out of question for dielectric elastomers. This article focuses on the adaptive properties of such elastomer components. By applying a static voltage the complex stiffness and the phase angle of the composite material can be changed within certain limits and intentionally be tuned. For this approach some experimental results are shown and the potential of this new technology for innovative solutions is highlighted