Acoustic transducer based on dielectric elastomers

Christian Graf; Jügen Maas

doi:10.1117/12.913270

3 April 2012 Acoustic transducer based on dielectric elastomers

Christian Graf, Jügen Maas

Proceedings Volume 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012; 83401G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913270
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Dielectric electroactive polymers are thin films based on elastomeric material coated with compliant and conductive electrodes. By applying an electrical field, the polymer performs large deformations, which can be utilized to generate sound waves. When using such kind of electrostatic loudspeakers, no additional resonating sound boxes are required and the vibrating mass is very lightweight, resulting in an excellent impulse and wide-band frequency response. For the loudspeaker's operation both an electrical bias voltage and a mechanical bias stress have to be applied. In this contribution different possibilities are presented to generate the mechanical bias stress. The design of an appropriate power electronics for the acoustic transducer, which is build of standard components, is also described. Finally, the loudspeaker concepts are evaluated by experiments in an anechoic room.

Citation Download Citation

Christian Graf and Jügen Maas "Acoustic transducer based on dielectric elastomers", Proc. SPIE 8340, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2012, 83401G (3 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.913270

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