Finite deformations of a nonlinearly elastic electrosensitive tube reinforced by two fiber families

In this paper, the theory of nonlinear electroelasticity is used to examine deformations of a dielectric elastomer tube, reinforced by two families of helical fibers with different angles, with closed ends and compliant electrodes on its side surfaces. To illustrate the behavior of the fiber-reinforced tube, a specific form of electroelastic energy function is used for numerical purposes. Numerical dependences of the deformation on the non-dimensional potential difference between electrodes are obtained for the considered energy function. The influence of fiber stiffness and their angles on a response of the tube are analyzed. The presented theory and results may be of value in the development of soft robots and actuators.