Taut Domains in Particle-Reinforced Electro-Magneto-Active Thin Circular Membrane

Abstract Electro-magneto-active (EMA) membranes are materials that combine electromagnetic and active properties to create flexible, responsive surfaces. These membranes typically consist of a soft, elastic matrix embedded with magnetic or electromagnetic particles that can be controlled through external magnetic fields or electric currents. However, the simultaneous application of electric and magnetic fields can induce mechanical instabilities within the membrane, often leading to structural failure. These instabilities, such as wrinkling or pull-in phenomena, arise from the complex interactions between the electromagnetic forces and the material’s elastic properties, ultimately compromising the membrane’s integrity and functional performance. In this study, key factors driving pull-in and wrinkling instabilities in a particle-reinforced circular membrane are systematically predicted using the framework of taut domain analysis. Specifically, a continuum physics-based model is utilized to predict the critical threshold values within the plane defined by the principal stretches. The model results indicate that adjusting the electric and magnetic field levels can effectively control the size of the taut domains. Moreover, for a fixed level of applied electromagnetic loading, the size of the taut domain increases with higher filler content and a greater shear modulus ratio in the membrane.