An explicit finite element (FE) scheme for thin hyperelastic-viscoelastic membranes with a high electric field applied across its thickness is used to study an energy harvesting device, namely a conical dielectric elastomer generator (DEG). While large scale implementations of such devices have been reported in the literature, we show that systematic design of conical DEGs can be aided significantly by the numerical tools developed. In particular, meeting operational goals, honouring design constraints and guarding against failure require study of the complex interplay between several factors. The amount of charge transported, potential across which the operation occurs, amount of energy harvested, frequency of actuation, extent of actuation, mechanical and electrical properties of the material, its modes of failure and geometry of the configuration are some of the factors that affect efficiency. We demonstrate that the numerical solution of the involved finite deformation based multiphysics problem can lead to a practicable design that can operate in a desired and fail-safe way over a long period of time.

对于在整个厚度范围内施加高电场的超弹性-粘弹性薄膜的显式有限元（FE）方案，用于研究能量收集装置，即锥形介电弹性体发生器（DEG）。尽管文献中已报道了此类设备的大规模实施，但我们显示，锥形DEG的系统设计可以通过开发的数值工具显着辅助。特别是，要达到运营目标，遵守设计约束并防止出现故障，就需要研究几个因素之间的复杂相互作用。输送的电荷量，发生操作的电位，收集的能量量，驱动频率，驱动程度，材料的机械和电气特性，其故障模式和配置的几何形状是影响效率的一些因素。我们证明了基于有限变形的多物理场问题的数值解决方案可以导致一种可行的设计，该设计可以在很长一段时间内以期望的和故障安全的方式运行。