Acoustical performance of an electrostrictive polymer film loudspeaker

Abstract

A new type of loudspeaker that generates sound by means of the electrostrictive response of a thin polymer film is described. Electrostrictive polymer film (EPF) loudspeakers are constructed with inexpensive, lightweight materials and have a very low profile. The films are typically silicone and are coated with compliant electrodes to allow large film deformations. Acoustical frequency response measurements from 5 x 5 cm (planar dimensions) prototype EPF loudspeakers are presented. Measurements of harmonic distortion are also shown, along with results demonstrating reduced harmonic distortion achieved with square-root wave shaping. Applications of EPF loudspeakers include active noise control and general-purpose flat-panel loudspeakers.

Novel Arrangements for High Performance and Durable Dielectric Elastomer Actuation

“…To do so, one approach is to combine the DEA with rigid frames. One example is the diaphragm actuator in an electrostrictive polymer film loudspeaker [32]. A common approach is to use fiber-reinforcement.…”

Electro-active polymer (EAP) “dimple” actuators for flow control: Design and characterisation.

“…Since the membrane periphery is fixed, no in-plane movement can occur and isotropic compressive stress builds up to a critical buckling limit, dependent on the membrane mechanical properties and geometry. Out-of-plane deflection then takes place with the formation of a bump or depression depending on the directional bias in the form of an external force [27,17] or asymmetry in the structure [21]. The elastomer film is clamped only on one side, such that, with a proper mount, the dimple actuator lies flush to the surface and no aerodynamic effect occurs.…”

An electronically tunable duct silencer using dielectric elastomer actuators

“…The DE actuator is one of the up-to-date actuators that brought applications distinct from the conventional actuators. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Many researchers have mainly focused on the quasi-static deformation of DE actuators with respect to applications such as artificial muscles 18 or tactile displays. 19 However, DE actuators can deform over a wide range of frequencies, and its acoustical performance is crucial for loudspeakers 16,17 or dynamic performance of the DE membrane.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Many researchers have mainly focused on the quasi-static deformation of DE actuators with respect to applications such as artificial muscles 18 or tactile displays. 19 However, DE actuators can deform over a wide range of frequencies, and its acoustical performance is crucial for loudspeakers 16,17 or dynamic performance of the DE membrane. 12,20 For these acoustics researches, DE loudspeakers constructed to date are mostly proof of concept devices and need to be tested rigorously in order to be commercialized, 11,21 and the dynamic performances of the DE membrane which may have great potential for noise control are still not explicitly explored.…”