Nonlinear dynamics of a conical dielectric elastomer oscillator with switchable mono to bi-stability

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are an emerging type of soft actuator that show many advantages including large actuation strains, high energy density and theoretical efficiency. Due to the inherent elasticity, such can also be used as oscillators and, when at resonance, dielectric (DEOs) exhibit a peak oscillation amplitude power output with improved efficiency in comparison non-resonant behaviour. However, most existing DEOs have fixed pre-defined morphology demonstrate single stable equilibrium, which limits their versatility. In this work, conical DEO is proposed may either monostability (i.e. one equilibrium point) or bistability (two equilibria). The system demonstrates transition between two regimes using voltage control. Such feature allows multiple modes different points equilibria controlled by effective control strategy work. A mathematical model based on Euler-Lagrange method developed investigate stability its complex nonlinear dynamic response unforced parametrically forced cases. This design has potential more advanced versatile applications active vibrational controllers/ shakers, morphing structures, smart harvesting highly programmable robotic locomotion.