On the resonance frequencies of a membrane of a dielectric elastomer

• The resonance frequencies of a pre-stretched circular membrane are investigated.
• The frequencies of the membrane decrease with an increase of the applied voltage.
• The frequencies decrease in air from those in vacuum due to the added mass of air.
• The damping of air has negligible effect on the frequencies of the membrane.
• The effect of applied pressure on the frequencies of the membrane is minimal.

The resonance frequencies of a pre-stretched circular membrane of a dielectric elastomer are investigated. The resonance frequencies increase with mode and thickness of the membrane, but they decrease in air from those in vacuum due to the added mass of air. The damping of air is low and has negligible effect on the frequencies; however, it helps to reduce the amplitude of vibration, comparing with that in the vacuum. The frequencies decrease with an increase of the applied voltage, the mass of the electrodes, and the radius of the circular membrane. The effect of applied pressure on the resonance frequencies of the membrane is not significant.