We propose a new sound generator using electroactive elastomer (EAE), which is an elastic and flexible material. Our prototype sound generator is composed of a thin polyurethane elastomer sheet and conducting polymer electrodes. The electrodes are formed on both surfaces of the elastomer sheet and are driven by audio signals with a DC bias voltage. We conducted a transformation analysis of the EAE and found that using of the side-length change is more effective than using the thickness change. An EAE sound generator provides 30 dB higher sound pressure level (SPL) at 1 kHz than one using thickness change. The configuration design and operating conditions suitable for a sound generator are discussed.

Authors: Sugimoto, Takehiro; Ono, Kazuho; Ando, Akio; Morita, Yuichi; Hosoda, Kosuke; Ishii, Daisaku
Affiliations: Foster Electric Co., Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan; NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 127 (October 2009) Paper Number: 7848
Publication Date: October 1, 2009
Subject: Transducer Modeling and Design

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