Taut domains in transversely isotropic electro-magneto-active thin membranes

Actuation devices made of smart polymers typically show various instabilities, which can adversely affect their performance and lead to device failure. In general, smart polymers exhibit wrinkling instability when subjected to an electric or magnetic field. At the same time, wrinkles can be used constructively in certain applications demanding a controlled alternation of the surface morphology. Critical factors influencing thin films' pull-in and wrinkling instabilities are discovered concerning the anisotropic taut domains with an applied electro-magneto-mechanical field control. A continuum mechanics-based electro-magneto-mechanical model is developed for predicting the thresholds on the taut domains in the plane of principal stretches. Also, the concept of natural width under simple tension is implemented to derive the coupled nonlinear equation that evaluates the associated taut domains. The findings of the model solution indicate that the extent of taut domains can be controlled by modifying the level and the principal direction of the transverse isotropy. Additionally, the taut domain for a particular level of applied electromagnetic field increases with an increase in the anisotropy parameter, while it depleted with an increase in the fiber orientations from 0 degrees to 90 degrees for an applied level of electromagnetic loading.

Automated summary

Actuation devices made of smart polymers often face instabilities that can negatively impact their performance and lead to device failure. Wrinkling instability is commonly observed in smart polymers when subjected to electric or magnetic fields. Wrinkles can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the application. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing thin films' pull-in and wrinkling instabilities and proposes a model to predict these instabilities based on electro-magneto-mechanical principles. The findings suggest that the level and direction of transverse isotropy can be modified to control the extent of pull-in and wrinkling instabilities.