Abstract：Electromechanical instability of asymmetric deformations of an incompressible electro-active polymer spherical shell, subjected to an internal pressure and an electrostatic field, is examined within the framework of the finite deformation theory of continuum mechanics. The deformation curves and the distribution of stresses of the shell under different electric fields are provided. When the inflation pressure is larger than the critical value, a thin-walled shell whose thickness is smaller than the critical thickness may undergo an unstable asymmetric deformation. The critical thickness and the critical pressure for the shell to take an instability deformation are given. The effects of the electrostatic field on the critical values and the distribution of stresses are discussed.
2015, Vol. 36 
