Evolutionary Electromechanical Stability in Stressed Viscoelastic Dielectrics

Constant mechanical load offers stabilization in the electromechanical actuation of dielectric elastomer. Due to the viscoelasticity, the electromechanical coupling performance of dielectric elastomer varies with time as its stability evolves. The parameters of viscoelasticity are calibrated experimentally. By establishing a thermodynamics model, the evolutionary paths of electromechanical deformation are classified and investigated, where a transition, from unstable to stable, is identified. The critical time and critical load on the transition is determined, providing a path forward for improving performance of dielectric elastomer.