Finite element analysis of materially uniform dielectric elastomers

In the definition of Noll, a body is uniform if all points are made of the same material. As shown by Noll himself and by Epstein and Maugin, uniformity makes the Helmholtz free energy depend on the material point exclusively through a tensor field, called uniformity tensor or implant tensor or material isomorphism. Uniformity is therefore a particular case of inhomogeneity. In turn, uniformity includes homogeneity as a particular case: indeed, homogeneity is attained when the uniformity tensor happens to be integrable. This work focuses on the non-linear large-deformation behaviour of uniform dielectric elastomers. Building on the foundational works of Toupin, Eringen and others, this work integrates continuum mechanics with electrostatics to develop a finite element framework for analysing uniform dielectric elastomers. This framework allows for considering the inherent inhomogeneity in materials exhibiting non-linear electromechanical coupling such as electro-active polymers. The inhomogeneity is assumed to be self-driven, i.e., not implied by the second law of thermodynamics: rather, it depends on the torsion of the connection (covariant derivative) induced by the uniformity tensor. A MATLAB^®-based finite element solver is developed and applied to the simulation of an electromechanical beam-type actuator. The solver is robust and capable of addressing various simulation scenarios. Numerical simulations demonstrate the significant impact of material uniformity on actuator performance. This research provides a tool for future applications in dielectric elastomers, particularly in sensors, actuators and bio-inspired robotics.