Hemispherical breathing mode speaker using a dielectric elastomer actuator

J Acoust Soc Am. 2015 Oct;138(4):EL424-8. doi: 10.1121/1.4934550.

Abstract

Although indoor acoustic characteristics should ideally be assessed by measuring the reverberation time using a point sound source, a regular polyhedron loudspeaker, which has multiple loudspeakers on a chassis, is typically used. However, such a configuration is not a point sound source if the size of the loudspeaker is large relative to the target sound field. This study investigates a small lightweight loudspeaker using a dielectric elastomer actuator vibrating in the breathing mode (the pulsating mode such as the expansion and contraction of a balloon). Acoustic testing with regard to repeatability, sound pressure, vibration mode profiles, and acoustic radiation patterns indicate that dielectric elastomer loudspeakers may be feasible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics / instrumentation*
  • Acrylic Resins
  • Amplifiers, Electronic*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Equipment Design
  • Silicone Elastomers
  • Soot
  • Transducers*
  • Vibration

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Silicone Elastomers
  • Soot
  • baysilon