  Dielectric elastomers are widely studied for their use in robotic and medical
devices due to their shape changing properties. Recently, they have also been
incorporated into acoustic devices, motivating the development of an
electroacoustic model for dielectric elastomers. This paper provides a lumped
element model based on a prestretched membrane approximation of a dielectric
elastomer actuated by a dc voltage. The electroacoustic model is validated via
experiments using a laser Doppler vibrometer and acoustic impedance tube
measurements. Good agreement between the experiments and model are
demonstrated. The resulting validated model is expected to be useful in design
optimization for acoustic applications.
