Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Engineering and Applied Science - Mechanical

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Major Professor

Chakravarty, Uttam

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer membranes are materially electromechanical transducers wherein they convert mechanical energy into electrical signals and vice versa acting as both an actuator and a generator. In this study, the aerodynamic and modal characteristics of the membrane are investigated both experimentally and computationally. VHB 4910 with conductive material of carbon grease used as an insulator on both surfaces are the specimens examined. From the experimental testing of the material, the resonance properties of the membrane are found. Computational analysis using a structural finite element analysis is used to obtain the modal response and study the effect of voltage application. A wind-tunnel testing setup and data acquisition system is used to analyze the experimental aerodynamic characteristics of the membrane. Fluid-structure interaction analysis investigates the aerodynamic response of the membrane computationally. A shape sensitivity test is done to compare how different shapes maintaining a constant surface area affect the vibrations and aerodynamics of the membrane. The modal characteristics are constrained by modifying the true stress, applied voltages and the prestretch.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

Download

Share

COinS