Question about dielectric elastomers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of dielectric elastomers when subjected to direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Participants explore the effects of these currents on the materials, their characteristics, and the implications of applying different types of voltage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the effects of applying DC and AC currents to dielectric elastomers, expressing confusion about their behavior.
  • Another participant explains that dielectric elastomers function similarly to capacitors, with their characteristics influenced by the applied voltage, and notes that DC and AC have similar effects but differ in frequency.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on whether the direction of alternating current (clockwise vs. counterclockwise) produces the same effect and questions the implications of applying continuous high DC voltage.
  • One participant emphasizes that the electric stress on the dielectric, rather than current flow, is what affects the material, and notes that unless the material is polarized, the effects should be symmetrical and not dependent on polarity.
  • The same participant also mentions the potential for second harmonic distortion when a sine wave is applied, unless a DC bias voltage is used to prevent zero crossings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the effects of AC and DC on dielectric elastomers, with some points of clarification provided but no consensus reached on specific outcomes or implications.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of dielectric elastomers under different electrical conditions remain unaddressed, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of applying continuous high DC voltage or the specifics of current direction in AC applications.

Dystopian
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What happens when i apply dc current in them?
And ac aswell?
Im quite confused about them tbh.
Edit:
Dielectric*
 
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Welcome to PF.
Dielectric Elastomers are really capacitors so they have characteristics determined by the voltage applied.
Capacitance, charge stored and physical dimensions all vary with voltage and physical constraint.
DC has the same effect as AC, but with a lower frequency, you apply it, then you remove it.
You need to be more specific about your application before more helpful answers can be given.
Start by reading a bit about them: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric_elastomers
 
thanks, my actual first post was deleted, i love this forum already. (just kidding)
to elaborate more and sorry for the late reply, if i apply alternating current, does the current heading cw make the same effect as the one ccw ?
also what happens if one applies continuous high dc voltage?
i read about them and i must say I am very fascinated by these polymers.
 
It is the electric stress on the capacitor dielectric that has the effect, so it is not current flow that has the effect.
Unless the material is polarised, as in an electret, the effect will be symmetrical and not polarity dependent. I would expect a sine wave to make 2'nd harmonic distortion unless DC bias voltage prevented zero crossings.
 
Baluncore said:
It is the electric stress on the capacitor dielectric that has the effect, so it is not current flow that has the effect.
Unless the material is polarised, as in an electret, the effect will be symmetrical and not polarity dependent. I would expect a sine wave to make 2'nd harmonic distortion unless DC bias voltage prevented zero crossings.
thanks.
 

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