Analysis of solitary waves in fluid-filled thin-walled electroactive tubes.

• We apply a difference of potential to the inner/outer boundaries of the tube. • For a larger difference of potential, the hoop deformation solitary wave decreases. • The period of the hoop solitary wave increases for a larger difference of potential. [Display omitted] The influence of an electric field on the propagation of axially symmetric solitary waves in a fluid-filled thin-walled tube made of a dielectric elastomer is analysed. The electric field is applied by means of soft flexible electrodes lining the internal and external surfaces of the tube and connected to a power source with a given constant difference of potential. For a specific hyperelastic constitutive law, numerical results are obtained and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]