The electrostrictive input to the deformation of an actuator containing electrostrictive PVDF-TrFE-CFE polymer films was analyzed in view of actuator design optimization. For separating the contribution to actuation from electrostatic and electrostrictive effects, relevant material parameters had to be evaluated. First, the layers deformation was measured using interferometric methods. Further, their elastic modulus was evaluated with a bulgetest method based on polymer membrane deformation in a pressurized gas-filled cell. Finally, the relative permittivity was derived from impedance spectroscopy measurements. FEM simulation results on the mechanical behavior of an actuator, using the measured material constants, were found to be in good agreement with experimental data
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