Parameter dependence of an electro-mechanical breakdown model for insulating elastomeric films

Electrical breakdown due to electro-mechanical instability is the main intrinsic failure mechanism of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA). The same mechanism may also be responsible for failure in soft insulating materials for other high voltage applications. We report on the validation of a model determining the electrical breakdown in dependence of material properties. The model includes hyper-elastic material behavior and includes a proper description of the experimental boundary condition.