A unified multiphysics finite element model of the polypyrrole trilayer actuation mechanism

Conducting polymer materials have demonstrated new possibilities for low-density active material actuators. This article briefly introduces several existing conducting polymer actuator modelling approaches and identifies limitations on their sole applicability for predictive design. The main contribution of this article is the proposal and development of a new unified multiphysics finite element model of the polypyrrole trilayer actuation mechanism that does not depend on specimen-specific parameters. The model predicts the structural deformation of trilayer actuators using only material properties such that the model itself is sample-independent and thus may have practical use as an electroactive polymer design facility. Comparison with published data indicates that the model’s predictions fall within 95% confidence intervals throughout the entire range of input potentials evaluated.