| abstract |
A flow control device includes a layered structure of electroactive material layers and non-actuatable layers. An array of orifices is formed in one of the layers, wherein the orifices are open in one of the rest state and the actuated state, and the orifices are closed in the other of the rest state and the actuated state. Actuation of the layer of electroactive material results in the opening and closing of the orifice so that the flow control function can be achieved. |