Electromechanical fatigue of dielectric viscoelastomers

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have extensive applications. However, their applications are commonly limited by fatigue damage since DEs are often subjected to cyclic electromechanical load. In this work, the fatigue life of dielectric elastomers under various electromechanical loads is investigated with a theory developed through configurational mechanics. The simulation results are also interpreted from the monomer level. Under charge-induced actuation, the fatigue damage of dielectric elastomers is dictated by the polarization of dipoles. Moreover, the polymerization degree and the portion of free chains exert a significant effect on the fatigue life of dielectric elastomers. It is concluded that a longer fatigue life is expected for dielectric elastomers under charge-induced actuation than mechanical deformation.