On electromechanical stability analysis of dielectric elastomer actuators

Based on the total stress concept, explicit results of the equilibrium state and the critical electric field are obtained for dielectric elastomer actuators. Criticality is discussed in the frame of structure stability and electric breakdown. Specific results are given for four commonly used material models. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3504702]