Some variational principles in electroelastic media under finite deformation

Abstract

It is proposed that the universal thermodynamic energy variational principle is included in the first law of thermodynamics. Some variational principles in the electroelastic media under finite deformation are derived from this universal thermodynamic variational principle. It is suggested that in the general electroelastic analysis the environment should be considered together with the discussed electroelastic medium. For the variational principle of nonlinear electroelastic media the variation of the electric potential is coupled with the virtual displacement, and the variation of the initial volume should be considered. The Maxwell stress in the initial configuration is naturally derived from this variational principle and it is unique in the second order precision.