Finite element modelling of the vibro-acoustic response in dielectric elastomer membranes

Moretti, Giacomo; Rizzello, Gianluca; Fontana, Marco; Seelecke, Stefan

doi:10.1117/12.2612784

Cited by 3 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Despite its simplicity, the system represents a suitable and simple benchmark for the parametric analyses discussed herein. The high-frequency dynamics and acoustic response of conically pre-loaded DE membranes have been investigated in our previous works [11], [13]. In particular, we observed that, upon high-frequency electrical excitation, conical DE membranes exhibit vibration mode shapes similar to those observed in flat annular tensioned membranes [14].…”

Section: System Layoutmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…Material dissipation is modelled via a structural damping in the frequency domain, with loss factor η d [8], [17]. Dynamics (1) and the acoustic pressure distribution p are solved for numerically using the FE model presented in [13]. The model is implemented in Comsol Multiphysics, and makes use of standard modules (Nonlinear Structural Material and Acoustics).…”

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The model parameters are summarised in Tab. I, and they are the same as in [13]. A validation of the model against experimental tests is shown in Fig.…”

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A validation of the model against experimental tests is shown in Fig. 2, whereas an extensive multi-parameter validation is discussed in [13].…”

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this article, we present a sensitivity analysis of DE loudspeakers response, with the aim of providing guidelines for the choice of some relevant design parameters. The analysis is carried out using a fully-coupled finite element (FE) model for DE loudspeakers, presented and validated in [13]. The model combines an electro-elastic model of a DE (treated as a hyperelastic membrane with ideal dielectric response) and a model of the surrounding acoustic domain, coupled in a bi-directional way.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Model-based parameter analysis of dielectric elastomer loudspeakers

Moretti

Rizzello

2022

2022 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM)

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Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are polymeric multifunctional materials that can be used to develop lightweight electrostatic actuators. Among other, DEs allow developing coilfree loudspeakers, in which the acoustic diaphragm and the actuator are embedded into a single DE membrane, whose deformations are driven by electrostatic stresses. In this paper, we present a simulation analysis of a DE loudspeaker with the aim of highlighting the effect of relevant design parameters (namely, the DE membrane thickness, diameter, and geometric aspect ratio) on the acoustic response. For the sake of illustration, we make reference to a simple loudspeaker layout, which does not require any mechanical or pneumatic biasing elements, and only consists in a DE membrane pre-loaded offplane. Based on a validated finite element multi-physics model of the system, we discuss how the system response (namely, eigenfrequencies and generated sound pressure level) varies with the design parameters. The presented results point out thresholds and trends that are relevant for the choice of DE loudspeakers' design parameters.

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Section: System Layoutmentioning

confidence: 73%

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The model parameters are summarised in Tab. I, and they are the same as in [13]. A validation of the model against experimental tests is shown in Fig.…”

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A validation of the model against experimental tests is shown in Fig. 2, whereas an extensive multi-parameter validation is discussed in [13].…”

Section: Model and Validationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Model-based parameter analysis of dielectric elastomer loudspeakers

Moretti

Rizzello

2022

2022 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM)

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Finite element modeling and validation of a soft array of spatially coupled dielectric elastomer transducers

Croce

Neu

Moretti

et al. 2022

Smart Mater. Struct.

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Dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers are suitable candidates for the development of compliant mechatronic devices, such as wearable smart skins and soft robots. If many independently-controllable DEs are closely arranged in an array-like configuration, sharing a common elastomer membrane, novel types of cooperative and soft actuator/sensor systems can be obtained. The common elastic substrate, however, introduces strong electro-mechanical coupling effects among neighborg DEs, which highly influence the overall membrane system actuation and sensing characteristics. To effectively design soft cooperative systems based on DEs, these effects need to be systematically understood and modeled first. As a first step towards the development of soft cooperative DE systems, in this paper we present a finite element (FE) simulation approach for a 1-by-3 silicone array of DE units. After defining the system constitutive equations and the numerical assumptions, an externsive experimental campaign is conducted to calibrate and validate the model. The simulations results accurately predict the changes in force (actuation behavior) and capacitance (sensing behavior) of the different elements of the array, when their neighbors are subjected to different electro-mechanical loads. Quantitatively, the model reproduces the force and capacitance responses with an average fit higher than 93% and 92%, respectively. Finally, the validated model is used to perform parameter studies, aimed at highlighting how the array performance depends on a relevant set of design parameters, i.e., DE-DE spacing, DE-outer structure spacing, membrane pre-stretch, array scale, and electrode shape. The obtained results will provide important guidelines for the future design of cooperative actuator/sensor systems based on DE transducers.

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An audio-tactile interface based on dielectric elastomer actuators

Gratz‐Kelly

Krüger

Rizzello

et al. 2023

Smart Mater. Struct.

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This paper presents a concept of a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) user interface (smart button) that can sense a user’s touch and provide multi-sensory tactile and acoustic feedbacks through a single electrical input signal. The DEA relies on a multi-layer layout, in which a layer detects user-driven deformations (touches) via custom-built capacitance sensing electronics, and the remaining layers are used to provide actuation (audio-tactile feedbacks). Building upon a recently presented principle, combined tactile and acoustic feedbacks are produced by concurrently exciting different vibration modes of the same active membrane over different frequency ranges. An integrated demonstrator setup is presented, which includes a DEA, an acoustic enclosure, compact sensing and driving electronics. A characterization of the prototype is conducted, including an analysis of the sound pressure level, the force/stroke output at lower working frequencies, the ability to sense deformations with different profiles and produce combined audio-tactile outputs. Compared to previous works on multi-function DEAs, the system presented in this paper provides largely improved sensing performance (with lower working voltage) and features a deeper level of integration (with small-scale custom sensing electronics, and logics embedded onto scalable microcontrollers) and is thus specifically optimised for user-interaction applications. On this end, tests with users are presented here for the first time, which allowed evaluating the subjective perception of the interface’s feedbacks. By means of further optimisation and miniaturisation of the power/sensing electronics and structural components, the layout and multifunction DEA principle presented here might lead, in the future, to the development of DEA-based smart buttons for active surfaces, or portable/wearable user interfaces and communicators.

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Finite element modelling of the vibro-acoustic response in dielectric elastomer membranes

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Model-based parameter analysis of dielectric elastomer loudspeakers

Model-based parameter analysis of dielectric elastomer loudspeakers

Finite element modeling and validation of a soft array of spatially coupled dielectric elastomer transducers

An audio-tactile interface based on dielectric elastomer actuators

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