Electromechanical deformation of dielectric nematic elastomers accompanied by the rotation of mesogens

•Electromechanical deformation of dielectric nematic elastomers (DNEs) is examined by modeling and simulation.•DNEs show elongation, contraction, and shear deformation modes, and exhibit more electrodeformation than common dielectric elastomers.•Tuning the initial director orientation and applying prestretching are effective ways to optimize the electrodeformation of DNEs.•Phase diagram of DNE is obtained for different material types and director orientations, which can be used to guide the design and optimization of electrodeformation.