Acoustic characteristics of a dielectric elastomer absorber

The present paper is devoted to study the acoustic characteristics of a dielectric elastomer (DE) absorber, which has a wide variety of potential applications as a novel actuator technology. DE, a lightweight and high elastic energy density smart material, can produce a large deformation under high DC/AC voltages. These excellent characteristics can be used to improve the present typical noise control systems. The performance of using this new soft-controlled-material is experimentally investigated. It is found that the voltage on the DE could tune the resonance frequencies of DE absorber thus it could absorb broadband noise. The results also provide insight into the appropriateness of the absorber for possible use as an active noise control system for replacing the traditional acoustic treatment.