Project description
Advanced electrostatic actuators for European space technologies
Electrostatic actuators, particularly those based on dielectric elastomers, have long been considered for space applications. However, their potential has been limited by material constraints, reliability concerns, and technological challenges. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EMVAC project will develop electrostatic actuators for key European industries, with a focus on space technologies and smart materials . Specifically, it will introduce an actuation concept based on electrically induced deformations in multilayered dielectric polymer films separated by vacuum gaps. This enables the actuators to power mechanisms in space and perform reliably in vacuum environments on Earth, offering high performance in terms of power density, strain, and actuation speed, while cutting down on material and manufacturing costs.
Objective
This project focuses on the development of a new type of electrostatic actuators with high potential for the critical European sector of Space Technologies and the field of Smart Materials. Electrostatic actuators, in particular dielectric elastomers, have long been proposed for space applications. However, due to limited materials choice, reliability and intrinsic technological limitations, this method has not yet met expectations.
The EMVAC project is proposing a new concept of electrostatic actuation. It exploits electrically induced deformations of multilayered dielectric structures consisting of polymer films separated by vacuum gaps. Such multilayer systems can enable actuation of space mechanisms or operate in vacuum research/industrial applications on Earth. Due to employing high vacuum as a critical dielectric layer, as opposed to bulk insulating materials, this technology can provide unmatched performance in power density, strain and actuation speeds at low materials and manufacturing costs. However, the vacuum-gap introduces complex electrical phenomena within the dielectric structure. This relates to the accumulation of electrical charges at the film interfaces, resulting in an alteration of the force output of the entire system.
This work will study the complex charge dynamics that dictates the force response of such systems by integrating experimental investigations and physics-oriented theoretical approaches. A framework for materials selection will be proposed. Various polymer films will be investigated. Different actuators employing the polymer film/vacuum gap topology will be created and demonstrated in a high vacuum environment.
The research fellow will deepen his expertise in the fundamentals of dielectric materials and electroactive polymers, while also acquiring critical soft skills in managing a multidisciplinary research project that integrates fundamental and applied methods.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
4040 Linz
Austria
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.