A sonic 
actuator including a multi-layer membrane having a non-metallic elastomeric 
dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant 
electrode layer contacting the first surface of the 
polymer layer, and a second compliant 
electrode layer contacting the second surface of the 
polymer layer. The 
actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic 
actuator film. Preferably, the non-metallic 
dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of 
silicone, fluorosilicone, 
fluoroelastomer, 
natural rubber, 
polybutadiene, 
nitrile rubber, 
isoprene, and 
ethylene propylene 
diene. Also preferably, the compliant 
electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of 
graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures. When a 
voltage is applied to the electrodes, portions of the film held at the aperture of the support structure can bulge due to the 
electrostriction phenomenon. The 
resultant “bubbles” can be modulated to generate sonic vibrations, or can be used to create a variable surface for 
airflow control.